Staple food prices soar in Tangerang

TANGERANG (JP): Staple food prices in several markets in Tangerang soared in the first week of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan, drawing complaints from customers preparing for the festive season.

In Cikokol wholesaler market, Malabar and Anyar markets, prices are fluctuating. A chopped chicken, which used to sell for Rp 11,000 to Rp 12,000, is now sold for Rp 15,000 each.

A saltwater fish sells for Rp 13,000, up from the previous Rp 11,000.

While chicken eggs sell for Rp 9,000 per kilogram, up from Rp 7,000. Rawit (small) chili is sold at Rp 7,000 per kilogram from the previous Rp 5,000 per kilogram.

Carrots are priced at Rp 4,000 per kilogram from Rp 2,000, while shallots sell for Rp 4,000 per kilogram from Rp 1,800.

Beef has increased the most, up Rp 4,000 from Rp 22,000 per kilogram.

Fried Gabus (snakehead) fish is now Rp 17,000 from the previous Rp 14,000. Only the price of rice was reported stable at an average of Rp 3,000 per kilogram.

"We're getting confused by the quick hikes here. Increases are uncontrollable, as they keep rising day by day.

"We hope the local administration will soon run a market operation to stabilize prices," 35-year-old Ima Indarti, a housewife, said.

Many customers also fear prices will get out of control ahead of the Christmas, New Year and post-fasting Idul Fitri festive seasons.

"The government must intervene with a market operation soon. Don't just wait for people's reaction or protests," said Yuniatri, 30, a resident of Suka Asih subdistrict.

The local office of the industry and trade ministry, however, began coordination meetings on price monitoring on Wednesday.

"We will run a market operation on Monday," Said Endrawiyanto, Tangerang administration spokesman, said after the meeting.

"It's not that we're not sensitive to the people's complaints ... we have to first coordinate the operation properly with related offices," Endrawiyanto said.

In Jakarta, staple foods prices were also rising. Price hikes were evident in several markets in Jakarta, especially the prices of eggs, meat, fish and vegetables.(41/edt)