Premium Rice Prices in Tasikmalaya Rise to Rp16,000 per Kilogramme

Premium rice prices in Tasikmalaya, West Java, have risen. Residents are expressing concern over increases in basic commodity prices ahead of Eid al-Fitr. Leli, 47, a resident of Gunung Cialir, stated that rice—the most essential staple—has increased from an average price of Rp13,500 to Rp16,000 per kilogramme at local shops.

“Premium rice prices have begun rising, sold at Rp13,500 to Rp16,000 per kilogramme, with retailers selling it at Rp17,000. Packaged cooking oil is becoming difficult to find, although bulk oil is more readily available. Other basic necessities have actually declined, including small red chillies at Rp80,000, local red chillies at Rp45,000, Japanese red chillies at Rp70,000, curly red chillies at Rp50,000, and long chillies at Rp80,000 per kilogramme,” she said on Tuesday (10 March).

According to her, increases in basic food items are widely lamented by residents, despite local government efforts through cheap food movement initiatives that have had little impact. Premium rice in the market remains elevated even as rice distributed through cheap food programmes costs Rp57,500 for a 5-kilogramme package but is reportedly of inferior quality.

“The cheap food movement conducted by local government and Bulog across various districts has yet to reduce market rice prices. This is because shops stock primarily premium quality rice, and medium-grade rice has been in short supply for some time,” she said.

Meanwhile, Deri Herlisana, head of Cikurubuk Central Market administration, stated that basic food commodity prices have begun rising ahead of Eid, with premium rice sold at Rp13,500 and super-quality rice at Rp16,000 per kilogramme. However, chicken eggs at various retailers now cost between Rp29,500 and Rp31,500 per kilogramme, whilst other necessities such as shallots have begun declining.

“Basic commodity price increases are occurring in chicken eggs and beef, sold at Rp130,000 per kilogramme. However, premium-quality rice costs Rp14,000 to Rp15,000 to Rp16,000 per kilogramme, bulk cooking oil Rp20,000 per kilogramme, packaged oil Rp18,000 per litre, and red chilli prices are indeed declining but typically rise again as Eid approaches,” he concluded.