Khofifah Ensures Staple Prices in East Java Remain Stable Ahead of Eid al-Adha

Surabaya (ANTARA) – East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has assured that staple food prices in the province remain stable with sufficient stock ahead of Eid al-Adha, following an inspection of trade conditions at Banjarejo Market in Bojonegoro Regency on Monday, accompanied by local government officials.

‘Every time Islamic holidays like Eid al-Adha approach, household logistics needs tend to increase. When demand rises but supply remains constant, there is usually a tendency for some commodities to increase in price. That’s why we visit the markets directly to ensure stocks are secure and prices are controlled,’ Khofifah said.

She added that staple food prices at Banjarejo Market were observed to be very stable.

Accompanied by the Regent and Deputy Regent of Bojonegoro, the Fourth Vice Chair of the East Java Provincial People’s Representative Council (DPRD), and the East Java Industry and Trade Secretary Iwan, Khofifah inspected vendor stalls to monitor prices and distribution of staple goods.

Field monitoring revealed that the government’s Stabilisation of Supply and Food Prices (SPHP) programme rice, packaged in 5kg bags, is sold at Rp62,500 with assured stock.

‘The SPHP rice supply is secure and priced at standard rates. The medium SPHP 5kg rice is sold at Rp62,500,’ she stated.

Additionally, the availability of Minyakita cooking oil at Banjarejo Market is adequate, priced at the Maximum Retail Price (HET) of Rp15,700 per litre.

‘Minyakita stocks are good today. Hopefully supply continuity can be maintained and prices remain at HET of Rp15,700,’ she added.

For horticultural commodities, bird’s eye chilli prices range from Rp60,000 to Rp65,000 per kilogram, while red chilli is around Rp20,000 per kg. Garlic is sold at Rp24,000 to Rp30,000 per kg.

However, shallot prices have risen from approximately Rp33,000 to Rp45,000 per kg.

‘Chilli prices are volatile, sometimes rising and falling. But Rp65,000 is still affordable for the public. Shallots are currently the commodity experiencing price increases, from Rp33,000 to Rp45,000,’ she explained.

Khofifah also noted that white sugar prices at Banjarejo Market vary depending on brand and packaging. Loose sugar is sold at around Rp16,000 per kg, while branded packaged sugar ranges from Rp17,000 to Rp18,000 per kg.

Meanwhile, chicken egg prices are around Rp26,000 per kg, lower than before the recent Eid al-Fitr.

‘Chicken egg prices are now averaging Rp26,000. Compared to before Eid al-Fitr, today’s prices are significantly cheaper,’ she said.

Broiler chicken meat prices have also decreased, averaging Rp33,000 per kg, below the HET range of Rp34,000 to Rp35,000.

‘Broiler chicken meat averages Rp33,000 per kg, which is still below the HET range of Rp34,000 to Rp35,000,’ she stated.

Beef prices, however, have started to rise by around Rp5,000 per kg. Some vendors sell it at Rp120,000 per kg, while others at Rp125,000.

‘We checked beef prices; some have risen from Rp120,000 to Rp125,000 per kg. Some are still at Rp120,000, but vendors signal a possible increase of Rp5,000 tomorrow to Rp125,000,’ she said.

Khofifah expressed hope that the public’s needs for Eid al-Adha would be met in both quantity and affordability. She also noted that high market transaction activity indicates maintained consumer purchasing power.

‘I asked the vendors, and Alhamdulillah, buyers are busy. This is important to see that consumer purchasing power remains strong,’ she added.