Traders' Remarks on Current Food Prices Following Ministry of Trade Market Visit

Jakarta — Trade Minister Budi Santoso conducted a direct inspection of basic commodity prices at Rawasari Market in central Jakarta. He stated that the market visit was intended to provide a psychological effect on traders to prevent them from raising prices above government-set maximum retail prices (HET).

“Apart from that, the market inspection can psychologically influence traders not to sell at inflated prices or above the maximum retail price (HET). We continue to do this,” said Budi after reviewing Rawasari Market on Monday, 16 March 2026.

In addition to direct oversight, the Ministry of Trade also monitors basic commodity prices daily through the Market and Basic Commodity Monitoring System (SP2KP), which covers hundreds of markets across various regions.

“The price checks are actually conducted daily through the SP2KP, the market and basic commodity monitoring system. So every day there are contributions from several regions. We continuously supervise 550 market points and monitor their price developments,” he explained.

From the inspection at Rawasari Market, he reported that most basic commodity prices remained relatively stable and within the government reference selling prices (HAP). “For chicken, it was Rp40,000 per kilogram, which aligns with the HAP. Then for chilli, red bird’s eye chilli was Rp40,000 per kilogram. The HAP is Rp55,000 per kilogram. Red onion was Rp40,000, with an HAP of Rp41,500 per kilogram,” he explained.

For subsidised cooking oil (Minyakita), market prices are said to have returned close to the maximum retail price (HET). “Minyakita was Rp15,700 per litre; the current national average price is around Rp15,800 per litre based on my check of the SP2KP. It has dropped significantly compared to before when it was Rp16,800 per litre; now it is Rp15,800 per litre, a drop of Rp1,000,” said Budi.

However, he acknowledged that some commodities such as bird’s eye chilli and chicken eggs have increased, though he maintains this is within reasonable bounds due to increased demand ahead of Eid. “Bird’s eye chilli increased slightly. Bird’s eye chilli and eggs increased a bit, but not excessively. It is relatively reasonable according to us as demand is increasing,” he said.

Budi assured that the government will continue to monitor prices until Eid to ensure supply remains adequate. “So the public need not worry; the government will guarantee the availability of basic food and stable prices,” he stated.

However, in the field, several traders reported significant price increases in some basic commodity items, such as red bird’s eye chilli. Samsul, a vegetable trader, said the price of red bird’s eye chilli has reached Rp130,000 per kilogram, an increase of approximately 128% from the government’s reference selling price (HAP) of Rp57,000 per kilogram.

“Today bird’s eye chilli is Rp130,000 per kilogram. Previously it was Rp100,000 last month, and with Eid approaching it has risen another Rp30,000 to Rp130,000 per kilogram,” he said. Despite the price increase, he confirmed that supply remains available in the market. “There is plenty of supply,” he said.

Meanwhile, an egg trader at Rawasari Market, Hendra, stated that egg prices currently stand at around Rp32,000 per kilogram, whilst omega eggs reach Rp35,000 per kilogram. “There has been an increase, but it is marginal. Rp1,000 at most. Sometimes it drops, sometimes it rises. It does not rise drastically,” said Hendra.

He explained that price increases began before Ramadan and have risen marginally again as Eid approaches. “There were increases before fasting began. Then they dropped. Now with Eid approaching, they are rising again. But only slightly — just Rp1,000 to Rp2,000; today it is Rp32,000 per kilogram,” he said.

Rice trader Salam also reported that rice prices have begun to creep upward over the past two weeks. “Everything has risen on average, between Rp500 to Rp1,000 per litre,” he said.

Currently, medium-grade rice sells for around Rp12,500 per litre or approximately Rp15,000–Rp16,000 per kilogram. Premium rice sells for around Rp14,000–Rp15,000 per litre, or approximately Rp16,000–Rp17,000 per kilogram.

Meanwhile, beef trader Darsa reported that beef prices are beginning to rise ahead of Eid. Upper thigh beef sells for Rp150,000 per kilogram, whilst rear thigh sells for Rp160,000 per kilogram. “Yes, there is a possibility of further increases. It is always like this; usually 2–3 days before Eid it definitely rises again. It could increase another Rp10,000 to reach Rp170,000 per kilogram,” said Darsa.