Trade Minister Ensures Basic Commodity Prices Remain Controlled Ahead of Eid Al-Fitr

Jakarta — Indonesia’s Trade Minister Budi Santoso has assured the public that essential commodity prices remain under control ahead of Eid Al-Fitr 1447 Hijrah.

Following a market cleanliness drive in Jakarta on Wednesday, Budi stated that commodity price monitoring is conducted routinely through the Market and Basic Needs Monitoring System (SP2KP), which tracks prices online across various regions throughout Indonesia.

“Based on our monitoring through SP2KP, we conduct online price surveillance across all of Indonesia at 550 market points or around 514 districts and cities. Until now, thank God, basic commodity prices remain controlled, supply is guaranteed, and prices are stable,” he said.

Following direct inspections at the Kramat Jati Central Market in East Jakarta, Budi noted that consumers are already beginning their holiday shopping for Eid celebrations.

“With Eid approaching, based on our market checks, we have already seen increasing numbers of shoppers and visitors coming in — more families are conducting their shopping,” Budi said.

Based on market monitoring results, several key commodities continue to maintain relatively stable prices. For instance, chicken meat prices hover around Rp40,000 per kilogramme.

Regarding beef, prices at the market vary between Rp130,000 and Rp150,000 per kilogramme. Nevertheless, most prices remain around the government-set Maximum Retail Price (HET) of Rp140,000 per kilogramme.

“Looking at chicken prices, for example, chicken meat was around Rp40,000, whilst beef varied, with some at Rp130,000, some at Rp140,000, and some at Rp150,000, but the HET ceiling is Rp140,000,” he explained.

The government will continue monitoring and ensuring smooth distribution and supply to keep prices stable through the Eid period.

“God willing, the government will continue guaranteeing that basic commodity needs remain assured and prices will remain stable,” said the Trade Minister.

He also emphasised that the government is prepared to take swift action should price increases occur in the market.

“Should price increases occur, we will coordinate immediately with the Food Task Force, with relevant ministries and agencies, and naturally with suppliers. We can check prices daily through the SP2KP system we mentioned,” he said.