TEMPO.CO, Semarang – Imported shallots that have just arrived in Semarang four days ago were gone from the market almost immediately. Based on observation, Tempo revealed that consumers immediately purchase the shallots imported from Thailand and India because of the low prices.
"I received 500 kilograms of shallots but it was sold in three days," said Sarwan a vegetable and spices stall owner at the Johar traditional market in Semarang on Thursday, July 18.
Sarwan said that the buyers preferred imported shallots over local ones due to their lower prices. The imported shallots were sold at Rp 26,000 (around US$2.59) per kilogram while local ones are sold at Rp 40,000 (around US$3.98) per kilogram. "Even the local shallots with poor quality were sold at Rp 35,000 [around US$3.48] per kilogram," Sarwan added.
EDI FAISOL (SEMARANG)