TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Traders at traditional markets complained of the increasing staple food prices since the beginning of the Ramadan fasting month. Tuti Hariyani (52), one of the traders at Ceger Market, South Tangerang, said that the highest price increases were red cayenne pepper and beef.

"Red cayenne pepper is the most expensive one, now at Rp90,000 per kilogram, from previously Rp70,000," said Tuti on Friday, March 24.

Meanwhile, beef prices rose from Rp130,000 to Rp150,000 per kilogram. The beef price increase occurred a day before Ramadan, but the buyers were still high. The price of garlic is also increased since early March. Now it’s priced at Rp35,000 per Kg from previously at Rp25,000 per kilogram.

Another commodity that experiences a price increase is potato, from Rp12,000 per kilogram to Rp19,000 per kilogram. Egg prices also rose from Rp25,000 per kilogram to Rp35,000 per kilogram.

Yati said that the price hike occurred due to the increased selling price done by the producers and distributors. According to her, the increasing staple price during Ramadan until Eid is common, even though the supply is safe.

In response to that matter, Badan Pangan Nasional (Bapanas) is currently running a cheap staple movement to suppress the staple price from Ramadan until Eid.

The staple commodities include rice, oil, sugar, egg, chicken, beef, chilies, shallot, and garlic.

Bapanas deputy of commodity availability and stability, I Gusti Ketut Astawa, said as of March 24, his office sudah melakukan gerakan pangan murah in 16 provinces at 92 locations. This program will be implemented in 80 regencies and cities spread over 276 locations.

Riani Sanusi Putri

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