Traders Return Home for Eid, Commerce Minister Says Prices Remain Stable

JAKARTA — Commerce Minister Budi Santoso, commonly known as Busan, has claimed that food prices in traditional markets remain stable despite many traders having returned to their home villages for the Eid holiday.

Busan made this statement during an inspection of food prices at Pasar Rawasari in Central Jakarta on 16 March 2026, five days before Eid. “Yes, although many traders have gone home, it turns out prices remain stable. In other words, the shortage of traders has not disrupted the market,” he said.

“So prices remain normal and supply is secure,” he added.

However, Busan urged the public not to worry, as the government guarantees that essential commodities will be adequately supplied at stable prices. “Because yesterday we checked other markets where some traders have already gone home (for the holidays), but prices remained normal and stable,” Busan said.

Chicken prices, shallots and cooking oil remained controlled and within the government’s Maximum Retail Price (HET) or Sales Reference Price (HAP) guidelines.

Red curly chillies were recorded at Rp 45,000 per kilogram, below the HAP of Rp 55,000. Shallots were priced at Rp 40,000, whilst the HAP was listed at Rp 41,500.

Beef prices were monitored at between Rp 140,000 and Rp 150,000 per kilogram. “So perhaps the types differ — the types of meat differ,” Busan said.

The Commerce Ministry monitors price developments across 550 market points daily.