What’s Driving the Spike in Jakarta’s Red Chili Prices? Here’s the Breakdown

Prices of red bird’s eye chili are surging across various regions, including Jakarta. The Jakarta Food Security, Maritime, and Agriculture Agency (KPKP) reports show that costs have spiked at both wholesale and retail sectors, climbing steadily over the past weeks and months.

The hike in fuel prices has contributed to higher operational expenses in production and food logistics

Wholesale prices recorded a 26.22% weekly spike (+Rp 10,714) to reach Rp 51,571/kg, while retail prices increased by 8.13% (+Rp 4,919) to Rp 65,426/kg.

Monthly data shows an even sharper climb for wholesale prices, which soared 30.56% to Rp 41,686/kg. In contrast, retail prices experienced a more modest monthly increase of 3.03%, reaching Rp 60,153/kg

Pramono Calls for Synergy to Tackle Dry Season Effects

According to Hasudungan Sidabalok, Head of Jakarta KPKP Agency, the price spike is a widespread phenomenon driven by technical constraints and environmental conditions. Specifically, a 14 percent contraction in the planting acreage from February to July 2026 hampered output for the August–December 2026 period.

"Consequently, the supply of red bird’s eye chili at Kramat Jati Central Market during the final week of August 2026 declined by 10.4 percent, falling from 144 tons to 129 tons," he explained, Wednesday (9/9).

Beyond the reduced acreage, the intensification of the dry season has led to significant water stress for the crops. Consequently, plant development has been hampered, resulting in flower abortion and suboptimal fruit yields, exacerbated by a surge in pests such as whiteflies, thrips, mites, and caterpillars.

"Further, the hike in fuel prices has contributed to higher operational expenses in production and food logistics," he continued.

In response, the Jakarta government has laid out several strategic steps to stabilize red chili prices, including the expansion of urban farming initiatives.

Throughout 2026, 11.46 hectares of land were dedicated to red bird’s eye chili, yielding a total harvest of 45.59 tons. Further, the government is conducting training sessions on the diversification of processed chili and onion products across all administrative cities and regencies.

"Perumda Pasar Jaya is also making red bird’s eye chili available through mobile affordable food markets to ensure that the community maintains access to food at reasonable prices," he concluded.