Parliament Urges Government to Expand Cheap Markets to Control Food Prices
Jakarta – A member of Commission IV of the People’s Consultative Assembly (DPR RI), Rajiv, believes food availability is adequate heading into Eid al-Fitr 1447 AH/2026, with conditions remaining stable for one week after the holiday.
However, the DPR member from the National Democrats Party faction has urged the government to be vigilant about rising food commodity prices, particularly beef, which has exceeded the government’s reference selling price (HAP) due to high demand.
Based on data from the National Strategic Food Price Information Centre, Rajiv stated that the price of grade-one beef at the national retail trader level exceeded the HAP, reaching Rp146,600 per kilogram (kg) as of Sunday, 15 March 2026.
According to the National Food Agency Regulation Number 12 of 2024, the HAP for fresh/chilled beef at the consumer level has been set at Rp130,000/kg for the front leg and Rp140,000/kg for the hind leg.
“The surge in beef prices exceeding the reference of Rp130,000–Rp140,000/kg must be read as a signal of increased demand, distribution issues, supply disparities between regions, or excessive trading margins,” said Rajiv in a statement on Monday, 16 March 2026.
To address this, Rajiv encouraged the government to intensify cheap market initiatives whenever specific commodities such as beef exceed the reference selling price.
“I encourage the expansion of cheap market initiatives, as this is one of the fastest solutions to control rising prices ahead of Eid,” he said.
Additionally, Rajiv asked the public not to worry, as current national food conditions are projected to remain stable even one week after Eid.
“The public should not worry. So far, our food reserves are quite abundant. Currently, the food balance for nine strategic commodities through April 2026 is in a surplus position,” said the legislator representing West Java’s Electoral District II.
Furthermore, Rajiv reminded the government not to become complacent after Eid. According to him, price stability and smooth distribution must continue to be maintained even though national supplies are projected to be secure, so that the public does not face financial hardship after the holiday.
“Commission IV of the DPR RI will continue to oversee food policy so that the government’s success is not only reflected in national balance sheet figures, but is genuinely felt by the public in traditional markets and food distribution centres across regions,” he concluded.