Solo Mayor Conducts Price Inspection: Consumer Purchasing Power Declining
Solo Mayor Respati Ardi, together with Perum Bulog, representatives from Bank Indonesia, and the Solo City Food Task Force, conducted a surprise inspection (sidak) of essential commodity prices and availability ahead of Idul Fitri at Nusukan Market in Solo on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
The inspection results showed that stocks and prices of essential commodities and important goods remained under control. However, consumer purchasing power has declined. During the visit, Respati held discussions with several traders and monitored prices of various commodities, including rice, cooking oil, eggs, sugar, and meat.
The Mayor stated that, in general, essential commodity prices remained relatively stable. However, several traders reported that buyer activity in traditional markets had recently tended to decline. “Prices are relatively stable, but we do need to boost consumer purchasing power in traditional markets again,” said Respati following the inspection.
According to him, one cause of declining shopping activity in markets is a change in consumer behaviour, with people increasingly shifting to online shopping. Various food products, such as nuts or dried snacks, are now easily purchased online, so some buyers no longer visit markets directly.
To address this, Respati stated that Solo City Government would launch campaigns to encourage people to return to shopping at traditional markets. Respati believes that the direct shopping experience in markets holds important social value because it facilitates interaction between traders and buyers.
“We want to campaign for shopping at traditional markets again because the shopping experience and interaction between community members is also important,” he said.
Additionally, the city government also plans to partner with the National Nutrition Agency so that the nutrition fulfilment programme managed through Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) can absorb food supplies from traditional markets in their operational areas.
The Mayor stated that his administration is preparing a circular letter to SPPG managers so that food procurement can be conducted at the nearest markets. This step is expected to support the economic circulation of market traders whilst maintaining the local food distribution chain.
“We will encourage SPPG to purchase food supplies from nearby markets so as not to break the traditional market chain,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bulog Surakarta Branch Head Nanang Harianto confirmed that food supplies ahead of Eid remain secure. According to Nanang, current rice reserves in the Greater Solo area reach approximately 68 thousand tonnes, whilst cooking oil supplies amount to about 500 thousand litres. These quantities are estimated to be sufficient to meet community needs for the next six months.
“Stocks are secure and prices are relatively stable. The public need not worry or engage in panic buying as supplies remain adequate,” said Nanang.
He added that Bulog also maintains price stability through various food distribution programmes. Currently, Bulog rice prices range around 11 thousand rupiah per kilogram, whilst cooking oil is approximately 14,500 rupiah per litre, which can be obtained at markets or through stabilisation programmes.
Besides supplying traditional markets, Bulog also distributes essential commodities through cheap market activities and cooperative networks at the village and hamlet levels.
“We continue distribution through relevant agencies, cheap markets, and village and hamlet cooperatives to maintain price stability in the community,” he said.
Nanang added that Bulog is currently focusing distribution on three main commodities: rice, cooking oil, and sugar, as an effort to maintain food supply availability and price stability ahead of the major religious holiday.