Impact of War Begins to Affect Households, Market Traders Complain About Surging Plastic Prices

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan received complaints about a surge in plastic prices from market traders. He learned of this during an inspection of essential goods prices at Pasar Minggu in South Jakarta on Saturday (28/3/2026). Gemi, a 58-year-old trader, stated that the price increase began around Eid al-Fitr, with rises of around Rp 6,000 per package. In response, Zulhas confirmed that the issue is not limited to Pasar Minggu traders but affects nearly all traders. He explained that plastic prices have skyrocketed due to a drastic rise in plastic resin costs, as plastic is made from petroleum. He assured that his office would discuss the matter specifically and invite relevant parties to explain the reasons for the resin price hike. “We will invite several related parties regarding this plastic resin,” said Zulhas. On the other hand, Zulhas assured that national food security remains safe despite the war in the Middle East. This is because Indonesia does not rely on imports from that region. “There is no food that depends on the Middle East, none. What we cannot produce, like wheat, comes from Europe and America. Soybeans we do not have, they come from Europe and America. So there is no food dependent on the Middle East,” said Zulhas. Zulhas emphasised that the public need not worry about the impact of the Middle East war on food availability. Domestic food stocks and procurement are ensured to be safe and under control, so the public is urged not to make excessive purchases. He added that the government is grateful for implementing food self-sufficiency policies from the start, so Indonesia is now independent in food and can anticipate potential crises early. “Our rice last year had a surplus of around 4 million tonnes, I think this year there will also be 4 million tonnes. So insya Allah, rice stock this year to next year is safe. Corn is safe, chicken meat is safe, eggs are safe, vegetables we plant ourselves,” he said.