Meat Prices Continue To Skyrocket, Beef Traders At Kramat Jati Market Threaten To Strike

JAKARTA - A number of meat traders at Kramat Jati Market, East Jakarta chose not to sell because of the high price of beef up to 20 percent. They even plan to go on strike next week.

From observations at Kramat Jati Market, East Jakarta, a number of traders and buyers complained about the increasing price of meat. Significant price increases occurred in both local and imported beef.

"The price goes up, per kilo of meat from IDR 120 thousand to IDR 130 thousand. Hopefully, this fasting (year) price is stable," said Diana, a beef consumer when shopping at Kramat Jati Market, Friday, February 25.

The price of local beef, which was previously sold at IDR 110 thousand per kilogram, has now increased to IDR 130 thousand. Meanwhile, imported meat is now sold at a price of IDR 125,000 per kilogram.

Due to the increase in beef prices, traders experienced a decline in turnover of up to 70 percent because consumers reduced their purchasing power.

"Buyers have drastically decreased. We complain to those who buy, suspected of increasing it unilaterally. Every day it goes up, it increases. An increase of IDR 130 thousand for local beef and IDR 125,000 for imported cattle," said Andri, one of the meat traders.

Now many beef traders are choosing to close their wares because there is no capital to shop for meat, especially since prices from distributors have gone up.

"No one can afford to spend anymore, when they can't afford it, it's empty. Because the initial capital is not there. If this continues, we surrender," he said.

The lack of buyers due to the increase in meat prices, beef traders will conduct a strike to sell next week.

"If there is a strike, who knows the government will respond. So that buyers know that the price of meat is still high. According to the circular, the strike (starts) Monday (coming) for 5 days, simultaneously in Greater Jakarta and Banten," said Andri.

Even though the price of meat shot up high, buyers admitted that they still bought meat at high prices for their consumption needs.

However, residents hope that the government will soon stabilize meat prices, which are increasingly expensive. Residents are worried that meat prices will continue to rise ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.