Jakarta Food Stocks Hold Steady with Prices Under Control

The government is reassuring the public that essential food supplies in Jakarta remain secure, with no signs of price hikes as Idulfitri holiday approaches.

Monitoring currently spans roughly 550 traditional markets

Trade Minister Budi Santoso conducted an on-site inspection at Kramat Jati Market in East Jakarta on Thursday (3/12) to personally verify stock levels and price stability.

"Thankfully, staple prices are under control and supplies are holding steady," he noted, confirming that the market remains stable.

Residents of Pramuka Island Flock to Ramadan Bazaar and Cheap Market

He explained officials utilize a two-pronged monitoring strategy, combining on-site inspections with digital tracking via the Market and Basic Necessities Monitoring System (SP2KP).

This web-based platform allows the Ministry to aggregate and report real-time daily data on price and stock levels for essential goods across Indonesia.

"Monitoring currently spans roughly 550 traditional markets across 514 regencies and cities nationwide," he noted.

He cited, chicken is currently priced at about Rp 40,000 per bird, while beef ranges from Rp 130,000 to Rp 150,000 per kilogram—staying near the government-mandated price ceiling of Rp 140,000.

"We remain committed to ensuring price stability and steady supplies of staples. Should any price spikes occur, we will immediately coordinate with the Food Task Force and suppliers to intervene," he explained.

East Jakarta Maritime, Agriculture and Food Security Sub-agency (KPKP) Head, Taufik Yulianto assured the public that regional food supplies remain secure.

He highlighted a partnership with city-owned enterprises, including Perumda Dharma Jaya, to shore up meat stocks ahead of the Idulfitri holiday.

"Meat stocks are secure, and we’ve verified that both quality and pricing remain below the mandated ceiling," he continued.

He added that while prices have ticked up due to the holiday rush, the increase stays within a normal range.

"We maintain regular oversight across both modern and traditional markets to intercept expired goods and food products containing hazardous chemicals," he added.

Iwan, 42, a poultry vendor at Kramat Jati Market, confirmed that prices are ticking up ahead of the holiday. He is currently retailing chicken at Rp 50,000 per kilogram, up from the previous Rp 45,000.

"Business is brisk, but the hike hasn’t been substantial yet. Demand typically peaks about a week before Idulfitri," he admitted.