Street Vendors of Crackers and Meatballs Lament High Plastic Prices: To Be Wrapped by Hand?

The recent surge in plastic packaging prices over the past few months is beginning to squeeze micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM). Vendors report that plastic prices are rising almost daily, with some brands doubling in cost. This has compelled some business owners to raise selling prices, despite the risk of reduced turnover. A meatball vendor in North Jakarta, Giyo (45), stated that nearly all materials needed for his trade have increased, but plastic has seen the most significant hikes in recent months. Giyo noted that almost all UMKM buying plastic at traditional markets are protesting the price rises to sellers. However, the cost of plastic for wrapping his meatballs continues to climb day by day. Despite the reluctance, Giyo has no choice but to purchase it, as it’s essential for packaging. “But if not using plastic, what then? Wrap it with hands?” Giyo said in frustration. The high price of plastic is also a grievance for a rempeyek vendor in the Koja area of North Jakarta, Rajianto (65). “The Tomat brand plastic alone has gone from Rp 9,500 to Rp 13,000 per pack now,” he said during an interview in Koja on Monday. Additionally, the clear Wayang brand plastic commonly used for wrapping rempeyek has doubled in price. Previously around Rp 13,000–Rp 14,000, it now reaches Rp 26,500 per pack. Although the increases are becoming unreasonable, Rajianto is forced to continue buying the plastic as he has not found a better alternative for wrapping his rempeyek. “Because I’m confused too; if not using plastic, where to put the rempeyek? If on leaves, it would stick,” he explained. Therefore, he has had to raise the price of his rempeyek. Previously, when plastic and other raw material prices were stable, he could still sell rempeyek in Rp 5,000 packaging.