Kobar's 'Inflation Market' Innovation Receives Positive Public Response

The Inflation Market, an innovation by the Industry, Trade, Cooperatives, and SMEs Office (Disperindagkop UKM) of West Kotawaringin (Kobar), Central Kalimantan, has received a positive response from the public after running for nearly a month. “The public is enthusiastic about shopping for basic necessities at the Inflation Market. This positive response is also in line with its effectiveness in controlling regional inflation,” said M Suhendra, Secretary of the Kobar Disperindagkop UKM, in Pangkalan Bun on Thursday. He acknowledged that the presence of the Inflation Market is intended not only to maintain price stability and the supply of staple goods but also to gauge public purchasing power and provide a sense of security against price hike volatility. “Through this innovation, we are also anticipating potential increases in the price of goods, especially basic necessities,” he said. Suhendra stated that the current geopolitical situation, which has caused instability in global fuel oil prices, is one of the triggers for rising goods prices, including basic necessities. “Our hope is that with this Inflation Market, we can provide a non-subsidised balancing market for the purpose of Regional Inflation Control in Kobar Regency,” he explained. Several staple goods available at the Inflation Market include medium and premium rice, Minyakita cooking oil, granulated sugar, purebred chicken eggs, garlic and shallots, red bird’s eye chillies, spring onions, and non-subsidised 5.5-kilogram and 12-kilogram LPG canisters. “We will certainly remain committed to maintaining the continuity and quality of this programme so that its benefits can be felt widely and sustainably,” he said. Based on data from the Central Kalimantan Industry and Trade Information System, the average price of bulk granulated sugar in the province is Rp19,435 per kilogram, cooking oil ranges from Rp16,910 to Rp23,900 per litre depending on the brand, purebred chicken eggs are Rp31,707 per kilogram, shallots are Rp45,357 per kilogram, garlic is Rp43,139 per kilogram, and chillies range from Rp64,154 to Rp81,038 per kilogram. Meanwhile, Irwan, a resident shopping at the Inflation Market, warmly welcomed its presence. “The presence of this Inflation Market really helps us, especially heads of households, in the midst of our current difficult economy. With this Inflation Market, we can get basic necessities at more affordable prices,” he said. He also suggested that the promotion of the Inflation Market be improved and reach a wider audience, as he believes many people are still unaware of its existence. “Of course, outreach should be done in places where people haven’t heard about it. I only happened to stop by because I was passing through. So, I only found out about this market today,” he said. The Kobar resident also hopes the Inflation Market can be held more frequently and reach more remote areas. “I salute the Kobar Regency Government for synergising with Bulog and Pertamina. I hope the implementation of this Inflation Market runs smoothly and successfully,” said Irwan.