Plastic Traders in Distress Amid Price Surge, Turnover Plummets and Customers Protest

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The soaring prices of plastic are not only complained about by buyers but also by traders in traditional markets. The traders face a dilemma as they are forced to significantly increase selling prices to customers. On the other hand, if they do not raise prices, they will incur losses due to high capital costs. “It’s really skyrocketing sharply from before the fasting month. Many types of plastic have risen like the (brand) Tomat, Dayak, Polo, Tiger,” said one plastic trader at Kalibaru Market in Cilincing, North Jakarta, when interviewed by Kompas.com on Monday (6/4/2026). The price increases for plastic in his shop vary depending on the type and brand. However, most types of plastic have experienced significant rises. For example, Tomat brand plastic has risen from Rp49,000 to Rp73,000 per bundle containing five packs. Meanwhile, red kresek plastic of the Tiger brand has increased from Rp60,000 to Rp93,000 per bundle. The traders’ decision to raise prices has drawn many protests from buyers, who are mostly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the food and beverage sector. “There are so many buyers who complain to us,” said Ipang. When receiving complaints, he tries to explain that the price increase is due to rising capital costs. However, not a few buyers still object and end up cancelling their purchases. Ipang cannot lower the prices because the factory prices are already higher. As a result, in the last few months, many customers have stopped coming to his shop. “There’s a loss too; before the plastic prices rose, we could get Rp2,000,000 a day, but now with many customers not buying, it’s only Rp1,000,000 - Rp1,500,000,” he explained. Another plastic trader, Nando (48), also admitted that his turnover has plummeted drastically.