Kupang City Government Outlines Measures to Maintain Food Price Stability During Ramadan

THE Kupang City Government, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), is stepping up a range of measures to maintain stability in food prices ahead of and during Ramadan, to ensure residents can access essential goods at affordable prices. Deputy Mayor Serena Cosgrova Francis said the local government is monitoring a number of commodities prone to price increases, notably rice, chilli and other staples. “For now,” she said, “the prices that are high are perhaps rice and other staples such as chillies.” She spoke at the Kantor Media Indonesia in Jakarta on Thursday, 5 March. One of the main measures is to expand the implementation of ‘pasar murah’ across the city. Through these markets, residents can purchase groceries at lower prices. “The Kupang City Government will of course continue to run pasarmurah so residents can also buy necessities, especially ahead of Ramadan, at relatively affordable prices,” she said. In addition to cheap markets, the city government is working with various partners to bolster price stability and broaden access to necessities during Ramadan. Serena explained the collaboration involves market operators and several business organisations, including the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (Hipmi). “We are working with market managers and also various organisations such as Hipmi,” she said. The collaboration is realised through Ramadan bazaars that offer a range of goods at more affordable prices. “Thus Kupang residents when they want to buy things such as Eid clothes or market needs, they can access them at affordable prices,” Serena added. Through these steps, the Kupang City Government hopes price stability for staple foods will be maintained during Ramadan, while helping residents meet basic needs and other necessities in the run-up to Idul Fitri. Context: Ahead of Ramadan 2026, prices of several essential goods at Naikoten 1 Traditional Market in Kupang rose. The Kupang City Government launched the Ina Kasih programme. Deputy Mayor Serena Cosgrova Francis also met with Deputy Minister of UMKM Helvi Moraza to discuss boosting creative economy players in the region.