TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo in a written statement on Sunday claims the soaring prices of chili pepper currently happening across Indonesian markets not only benefit traders but also farmers of the commodity, which he deems a fortunate situation and arguably sidelining consumers.

“There is a favorable situation with the current price increase as farmers are benefiting from that. It shall not only be felt by traders. And surely we should also look out for consumers,” the Minister wrote on July 3.

He believes that the steep prices of chili pepper ahead of the Eid al-Adha celebration is an annual cycle apart from weather anomalies and massive issues related to agriculture pests.

“This happens every year with Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Christmas, and New Year,” Syahrul added.

Previously reported on Sunday, July 3, Palmerah Market traders in Jakarta complained how the price of chili pepper increased to Rp120 thousand per kilogram, which is a 100 percent increase with red onion reaching prices of Rp80 thousand per kilogram. Commodities that did not log rising prices are garlic, onions, and carrots.

Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo recalled that the loosened Covid-19 public mobility restriction drove up the demands for chili pepper as demands are not only coming from households but major businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and cafes. With production logging surplus, he is hoping that regions recording deficits will be covered by other regions that are overproducing.

BISNIS | HAMDAN C ISMAIL

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