Red Bird's Eye Chilli Prices Surge in Batam, Rising 9 Per Cent in a Single Day

The price of red bird’s eye chilli in Batam continues to soar sharply as of Tuesday (2/6/2026). In just one day, this essential sambal commodity rose by approximately 9 per cent, causing significant distress among local residents.

According to data from the National Strategic Food Price Information Centre (PIHPS), the national average price for red bird’s eye chilli ranged between Rp77,250 and Rp85,550 per kilogram as of Monday (1/6). However, in Batam’s traditional markets, on-the-ground selling prices are higher, ranging from Rp75,000 to Rp90,000 per kg. In some stalls, prices for premium quality chilli have even reached Rp95,000 per kg.

Doni (45), a trader at the Batam Centre Point Market, admitted to being overwhelmed by the price hike. “Yesterday it was still at Rp68,000 per kg, now it has reached Rp85,000. Supplies are also difficult to obtain; sometimes they arrive in very small quantities,” he complained on Tuesday.

The price surge is being felt directly by households. Rita (38), a resident of Batu Aji, noted that her daily grocery expenses have ballooned. “I have to make sambal every day; previously, Rp20,000 could buy a lot, but now Rp20,000 only gets me a handful. If prices keep rising, cooking spicy food will become a rarity,” she said.

Ahmad (42), a private sector employee from Nagoya, also expressed his frustration. “Salaries aren’t increasing, but chilli prices keep going up. Even buying 100 grams costs Rp8,000–Rp9,000. I find myself calculating money while making sambal,” he said.

When contacted, the Head of the Batam City Industry and Trade Office (Disperindag) did not provide a direct response. However, a staff member mentioned that the price increase was triggered by several factors, including heavy rainfall in chilli production centres in Sumatra, dwindling supplies, and high logistics costs to the Riau Islands.

“We will coordinate with distributors and Bulog (the National Logistics Agency). If prices continue to skyrocket, we will immediately organise cheap market operations for chilli,” the staff member stated. The public in Batam has been advised to avoid panic buying to prevent prices from spiraling further out of control.