'I have to struggle hard to make money'

People are complaining of the increasing price of staple foods and other items since the beginning of the Ramadhan fasting month, which has affected their businesses. Some of them talked with The Jakarta Post about their strategies to cope with the problems.

Simin, 52, a mobile vendor selling chicken noodle soup on Jl. Pluit Permai, North Jakarta. He resides in Tanah Merah, North Jakarta, with his wife:

I have been selling chicken noodles here for six weeks. I used to be a cow trader in my hometown in Wonogiri, Central Java, but my friend deceived me. I lost around Rp 54 million.

So I came to the city to earn a living by selling chicken noodle soup. But, I found that I have to struggle hard to sell it as the prices of the ingredients are so expensive. A whole local chicken can cost me around Rp 30,000 now, chili is Rp 20,000 per kilogram, up from the normal price of Rp 8,000 before Ramadhan, noodles are Rp 6,000 or Rp 1,000 more than the normal price.

What should I do then, noting such an unpleasant fact? It's impossible for me to quit. If I continue to sell my noodles at the price before the fasting month, I would get no profit. The best way is to reduce the portion. Because if I increase the price of a portion from Rp 3,500, I'm sure my customers will run to other vendors.

I do that way in a bid to keep my customers. Unfortunately, I can only earn more or less Rp 20,000 a day.

Elly, 30, a vendor who has been selling chicken porridge for three years in Kosambi Baru, West Jakarta. She lives with her husband and their only son:

I have to admit that my business is getting slower now. But, the business drop is not too bad.

Actually I'm tempted to raise the price of each portion but I'm afraid of losing my customers.

So, it's better for me to reduce the portion especially the porridge topping made of chicken. I have to do it. Otherwise, I won't get enough profit to survive.

My business is slow maybe because people save their money for the Idul Fitri festivities.

Aminah, 46, a widow who has been running a catering business for more than 10 years. She lives in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta with her only daughter:

Despite the price hike, my business income has improved a little.

Before the fasting month, my turnover reached Rp 100,000 a day and now it has increased by more or less 50 percent. From the total turnover I make a 30 percent net profit each day.

However, that amount of money means nothing now as it is not enough to cover the expensive daily needs.

I didn't worry about raising the price of each portion by Rp 100 because it does not affect my loyal customers. At least, they don't complain about it and keep on buying the snacks.

I take advantage of the people's habits here. Most of the people are lazy to cook their meals themselves. They prefer to buy fast food and the like, particularly for breaking their fast.

-- Leo Wahyudi S