Jakarta Governor Assures Chili Price Stability Ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has stated the local government will intervene to stabilize chili prices in anticipation of increased demand during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri. The administration is closely monitoring price fluctuations of essential commodities, with a particular focus on the rising cost of curly chilies.
Supply Shortages Drive Price Increases
The increase in chili prices is attributed to a supply shortage stemming from heavy rainfall in several key growing regions. “Prices have increased because supplies from Java and South Sulawesi have dwindled due to the rain,” Governor Anung explained at Jakarta City Hall on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
The production dip is primarily weather-related, but the Governor expressed confidence that prices will normalize within one to two weeks as rainfall decreases. “I am confident that within a week or two, chili prices in Jakarta will return to normal,” he remarked.
Government Intervention to Curb Inflation
To mitigate inflation, the Jakarta Provincial Government plans to purchase chilies and distribute them to retailers and traders, allowing for a fixed profit margin of Rp5,000. “We will buy the chilies and sell them to retailers or traders, allowing for a Rp5,000 profit to keep prices under control,” Anung stated.
Current Market Prices
Data from the National Food Agency’s inspection on February 16, 2026, at Kramat Jati Market indicated the price of red bird’s eye chili was approximately Rp80,000 per kilogram, a slight decrease from the previous week’s peak of Rp90,000 to Rp100,000 per kilogram.
Traders at Kramat Jati Wholesale Market reported that the Rp80,000 price point is negotiable. Asep, a chili trader, noted that he would accept offers of Rp80,000 to ensure a sale. Ujang, another trader, mentioned some sellers are blending different chili types to maintain affordability due to public sensitivity to price increases.
Joharlis, a chili distributor, highlighted the importance of supplies from South Sulawesi, particularly Makassar, which reach approximately 20 tons per day and are crucial for stabilizing Jakarta’s market. The distribution cost from Sulawesi to Jakarta is around Rp10,000 per kilogram, significantly impacting trader-level pricing. Bird’s eye chilies have a limited shelf life of about three days, requiring quick turnover to prevent losses.