Responding to Rising Food Prices

Basic materials are still purchased because they are needed. The amount is not reduced, but the spending money is higher.

KOMPAS/FRANSISKUS PATI HERIN

Various types of rice and corn are sold at Pasar Kasih, in Kupang city, East Nusa Tenggara, on Friday (3/3/2023). In several regions of NTT, the price of rice reaches Rp 17,000 per kilogram.

The inflation of food prices has raised the highest retail prices (HET) of several commodities, such as rice, corn, eggs, and chicken meat. The HET of premium rice, for example, has increased by Rp 1,000 to Rp 14,900 per kilogram. The HET of medium rice has increased from Rp 10,900 per kg to Rp 12,500 per kg in accordance with zoning regulations.

In addition to rice, the reference price for purchasing dried corn on the farmer level with a moisture content of 15 percent has also increased from the previous Rp 4,200 per kg to Rp 5,000 per kg.

The government also increased reference prices for sales of eggs and breed chicken meat, both at the producer and consumer HAP levels, on average IDR 3,000 per kg.

In detail, at the producer level, the HAP for chicken eggs has increased from Rp 22,000-Rp 24,000 per kg to Rp 26,000 per kg, and the HAP for broiler chicken has increased from Rp 21,000-Rp 23,000 per kg to Rp 25,000 per kg.

Meanwhile, at the consumer level, the HAP for chicken eggs has increased by Rp 3,000 from Rp 27,000 per kg to Rp 30,000 per kg, then the HAP for broiler chicken meat has increased by Rp 3,250 from Rp 36,750 to Rp 40,000 per kg.

The following are quotes from residents, traders, and food stall, hotel and restaurant entrepreneurs regarding this matter.

Also read: HET for Medium Rice and Increased HAP for Corn

KOMPAS/ADITYA PUTRA PERDANA

Leila (40), resident of Bogor, West Java

Currently, prices are still quite high, such as chili and garlic. Actually, it is not me who usually goes shopping, but other family members. However, I like to be informed that prices are on the rise. I am not sure if there is a highest retail price hike like rice.

Clearly, it is hoped that the prices of basic commodities can go down again. Until now, whether we like it or not, they must still be purchased because they are necessities. The quantity is not reduced, but the amount of money spent on shopping becomes higher.

Leila (40), resident of Bogor, West Java

KOMPAS/ERIKA KURNIA

Rodiyah, egg seller at Kramatjati Market, East Jakarta

The increase in chicken prices has actually been felt since last March. There are almost no retail buyers until now. If they know the current price, buyers will just pass by or compare with stalls near their house. Currently I only rely on sales from 15 regular customers who need to sell too,

The presence of customers helps me continue my business. Even with dwindling sales, the revenue is still able to cover daily necessities, rent for a stall in the market, and monthly rent for the house. However, I still hope that the government can help lower the price of eggs so that buyers will come back.

Rodiyah (57), poultry egg trader at Kramatjati Market, East Jakarta

DOK PROBADI

Puspita Cahyani (38), food service SME operator, Bogor

The price of food raw materials, such as rice, as well as chicken meat and eggs, is more expensive this year than last year. Of course, this made me increase my business capital. Like it or not, I increase the prices of catering menus, boxed rice or daily orders a little so that I can still make a profit. If anyone asks, I will explain to the buyer the price increase.

Puspita Cahyani (38), food service SME, Bogor, West Java

ARSIP PRIBADI

Chairman of the Regional Leadership Body of the East Kalimantan Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association, Sahmal Ruhip

So far there have been no complaints regarding increasing food prices. Although it cannot be calculated yet, in general it has an influence on the turnover of the restaurants under my supervision. For chilies, for example, the price is not below IDR 50,000 per kilogram.

In addition to restaurants, the burden on hotels also increases, especially for breakfast supplies. Although not significant, there is still an impact. However, overall, I see that those most affected are small traders rather than hotel and restaurant owners.

The cost of living in East Kalimantan is high, unlike other cities. The amount of money circulating there is higher than in regions in Java. When it comes to services in restaurants/hotels, people don't really think about the value of the food, we prioritize satisfaction.

Sahmal Ruhip, Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association of East Kalimantan

Also read: Reference prices for eggs and purebred chicken meat increase by an average of IDR 3,000 per kilogram