Imbas Kekurangan Pasokan, Harga Beras Di Flotim Melonjak Rp800 Ribu Per 50 Kg

Rice traders show the rice they sell in traditional markets in Kupang City, NTT, Thursday (19/1/2023). (ANTARA)

The people of East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, are facing a surge in rice prices due to supply shortages. Rice prices reached Rp800,000/50 kg from normal conditions of Rp500,000/50kg. "The price of rice soared and had penetrated up to Rp800,000 per sack measuring 50 kg, which has happened for almost two weeks," said East Adonara Sub-district Head, East Flores Regency, Ariston Kolot Ola when contacted from Kupang, quoted from Antara, Wednesday, February 22. He explained that the increase in rice prices was experienced by people on Adonara Island, including in the mainland of Larantuka City, the capital of East Flores Regency. Ariston explained that for the last two weeks, rice supply ships or distributors from South Sulawesi Province had not distributed rice to the local area. As a result, he said, the supply of rice in the market has decreased significantly, resulting in a price increase at the merchant level in villages. Based on information obtained from distributors, the price of unhulled rice at the farmer level has increased so that suppliers have not dared to bring rice because they are worried that the selling price at the destination will not be appropriate. Ariston explained, until last Monday, three rice supply ships had entered Adonara Island with around 200 tons, so local traders were immediately hunted. However, he said, the selling price was still high at around Rp. 700,000 more than 50 kg because the price of the distributor was also expensive. "The distributors are also forced to sell at a higher price because they also buy at a high price, so this condition is indeed a dilemma," he said. Ariston added that although the price on the market is still high, at least, rice supply can be available again to meet the basic needs of the community. Meanwhile, a staple trader in Witihama Subdistrict, Amal Lamablawa admitted that he had experienced a significant shortage of rice supply in the last two weeks. This condition, he said, made the price of rice sold by basic food traders in villages generally ranged from Rp. 14,000 to Rp. 15,000 per kilogram, an increase from the previous condition of Rp. 11,000 to Rp. 12,000. "Residents who buy also complained about this price increase, but indeed the price on the market has soared so we also have to adjust it," he said. Amal hopes that the local government and related parties will take handling steps to stabilize rice prices so as not to hinder the fulfillment of community needs.