Gondang Market in Sragen: Luthfi Confirms Food Prices Still Under Control

At the scene, Luthfi spoke with traders and buyers. He enquired about stock levels and prices of a number of commodities, including garlic, shallots, eggs and chili peppers. The monitoring results showed that food stocks remained secure, although several commodities had risen in price in line with increasing demand. Luthfi said that food supply in traditional markets remained under control and that price increases were considered within normal limits. For commodities whose prices had risen, he urged state-owned PT Jateng Agro Berdikari (JTAB) to intervene. Several commodities monitored were above the Government Reference Price (HAP), including red bird’s-eye chilies, bulk wheat flour, and garlic. Meanwhile, commodities that should be watched for increases ahead of Lebaran include chicken eggs, chicken meat, shallots, and domestic sugar. The Central Java Provincial Government prepared a number of measures to maintain price stability, including food price subsidies and cheap markets. By the beginning of March 2026, the Cheap Food Movement (GPM) had been carried out 309 times across various regions. The government also channelled a three-ton subsidy of chilies to 15 regencies with the highest price increases. One stallholder at Gondang Market, Nur, said some commodities had risen in price. He noted that red bird’s-eye chilies were now around Rp 80,000 to Rp 90,000 per kilogram. ‘During Ramadan, purchases usually fall, especially if prices rise. Shallots and garlic remain relatively high, but the expensive option is the red Bird’s Eye chili,’ Nur said in a written statement, (4/3/2026). Meanwhile, beef traders said prices remained stable at around Rp 110,000 per kilogram. ‘Most of our customers are regulars, so it doesn’t have a huge impact. Usually prices go up around Lebaran; in the past, increases were about Rp 25,000 to Rp 30,000,’ he added. Another general groceries trader, Santi, said prices of shallots, garlic, and eggs were relatively stable even though they had risen briefly. ‘Eggs rose from Rp 28,000 to sometimes Rp 31,000. The hope is that ahead of Lebaran they do not rise too much, so customers won’t drop off,’ she said. During the visit, Luthfi was accompanied by Sragen Regent Sigit Pamungkas and Deputy Regent Suroto, as well as several heads of regional government organisations and related state-owned enterprises. (ega/ega)