Perum Bulog Chief Conducts Surprise Inspection of Food Prices in Semarang, Ensuring Stable Prices Ahead of Ramadan
The Chief Operating Officer of Perum Bulog, Lieutenant General Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, conducted a surprise inspection of staple food prices in Semarang City on Friday (27 February). The inspection was carried out at Johar Market and Kanjengan Market to ensure price stability ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2026.
The activity involved the Industrial and Trade Office at provincial and city levels, the Food Security Office, and the Food Task Force of the regional police. This inspection followed up on government directives to maintain stable supply and price of staple foods ahead of major religious holidays.
Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani stated that price controls during the Christmas and New Year period had remained stable. He expressed hope that similar conditions could be maintained throughout Ramadan until Eid.
“We want to ensure prices remain stable as they were during Christmas and New Year. Overall, conditions in Semarang are quite manageable,” he said during the inspection.
From field monitoring results, the prices of premium and medium-grade rice were recorded as stable and in accordance with the Maximum Retail Price (HET). Stock availability was also considered sufficient to meet the public’s needs during Ramadan.
Besides rice, prices of several animal protein commodities actually declined. Beef prices were recorded at Rp130,000 per kilogramme, down from approximately Rp140,000 per kilogramme previously. Broiler chicken prices also fell from Rp40,000 to Rp35,000 per kilogramme. Chicken eggs likewise experienced a price decline from Rp30,000 to Rp29,000 per kilogramme.
“Overall, the majority of staple food prices are manageable. This is the result of synergy between producers, traders, and the Food Task Force so that distribution runs smoothly,” said Ahmad Rizal.
Although most prices remained stable, chilli became a commodity that experienced price increases. The price of curly red chilli was recorded at Rp50,000 per kilogramme, whilst red bird’s eye chilli reached Rp82,000 per kilogramme.
According to Ahmad Rizal, the increase in chilli prices was influenced by weather factors. High rainfall over the past few weeks has impacted production in several agricultural centres, resulting in reduced supply. “Rainfall has been quite high, so production in several areas has been disrupted. This affects the supply and price of chilli,” he explained.
The agency will coordinate with farmers and distributors in the Magelang area and surrounding regions to ensure smooth distribution. He added that, despite the increase, chilli prices in Semarang remain relatively lower compared to several other regions.
Ahead of Eid, the Food Task Force will also intensify patrols and monitoring to anticipate hoarding practices by speculators. Monitoring is conducted regularly at traditional markets and distribution channels. “We conduct patrols and investigations in the field. If hoarding is proven, there will certainly be sanctions in accordance with applicable regulations,” he emphasised.
Besides monitoring, the government has also mandated the posting of Maximum Retail Price (HET) and Reference Purchase Price (HAP) lists at all markets. This policy aims to increase price transparency to the public whilst facilitating monitoring by officers.
Ahmad Rizal emphasised that overall market conditions in Semarang are monitored as conducive. He assured that Bulog together with relevant agencies will continue to monitor developments in prices and stocks of staple foods until Eid al-Fitr. “We ensure stocks are secure and prices are manageable. The public need not worry because the government continues to conduct monitoring,” he said.