Prices of Chili and Onions in Jakarta Rise Ahead of Eid al-Adha, DKI Provincial Government Asks Residents Not to Panic Buying 

JAKARTA - The prices of a number of food commodities in Jakarta have started to creep up ahead of Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijriah. The increase occurred in several strategic food items such as chili and onions which were triggered by production disruptions in supplier areas to increasing community demand ahead of the religious holiday.

The Special Staff of the Governor of DKI Jakarta for Social Communication, Chico Hakim, said the spike in prices was influenced by a combination of weather factors and high community needs.

"The main cause is a combination of weather factors and increased demand," Chico told reporters, Monday, May 25.

Chico explained that the high rainfall in a number of producer areas caused the decline in horticultural production. This condition also affects the quality of the harvest of a number of food commodities.

"High rainfall still causes a decrease in production and quality of horticultural crops. In addition, the increase in attacks by plant pest organisms. This directly impacts the supply to Jakarta," he said.

On the other hand, community needs also increased ahead of Eid al-Adha, both for daily consumption and for Eid preparations.

The DKI Provincial Government also asked the public not to make excessive purchases amid the rising food prices that have begun to occur.

"Fluctuations in prices ahead of Eid al-Adha are seasonal phenomena that we are closely monitoring. The public is urged to shop wisely and not panic buying. We are committed to keeping food inflation under control for the welfare of Jakarta residents," said Chico.

To curb the price surge, the DKI Provincial Government through the Directorate of Food Security, Marine and Agriculture (KPKP) is said to carry out regular monitoring of food prices in traditional markets. Supervision is carried out directly or through the Jakarta Food Price Information (IPJ) application.

In addition, the local government also coordinates with food producers, distributors, and BUMD to keep supplies safe ahead of Eid al-Adha.

"Market interventions if necessary, including subsidized food distribution and cheap markets for low-income people," he said.

For the needs of sacrificial animals, the DKI Provincial Government claims that the stock is in a safe condition. The preparation of supplies is said to have been carried out since the beginning through Perumda Dharma Jaya.

"The Provincial Government guarantees the availability of stock through initial preparations by Dharma Jaya with a target of thousands of cows so that prices remain under control and there is no excessive spike," said Chico.

The DKI Provincial Government has also intensified supervision of food distribution from the producer areas to the main markets in Jakarta to anticipate supply disruptions due to bad weather.