Rice Prices In West Java Rise Despite The Surplus, Ridwan Kamil: Don't Make A Difference

Photo by Sandy Ravaloniaina on Unsplash

JAKARTA - The West Java Provincial Government is looking for solutions related to the increase in rice prices in a number of areas in the West Java region.

"So a solution is still being found because West Java has a surplus. So if there is an increase in rice prices, it doesn't make sense," said West Java Governor M Ridwan Kamil, at Gedung Sate, Bandung City, Monday, February 13, as reported by Antara.

Governor Ridwan Kamil assessed that the increase in rice prices was not at the farmer level, but due to production factors.

"So the key is not in the farmers, not because of production, but rather in trading systems that are beyond our control, which control prices makes it unreasonable for consumers," he said.

For example, the price of rice in two traditional markets in Bandung, namely Leuwipanjang Market and Astana Anyar Market, on Wednesday, last week it was observed that it had increased

The price of rice at Leuwipanjang Market rose 21 percent for medium rice from Rp9,500 per kg to Rp11,500 per kg, and for premium rice prices it rose 16 percent from Rp12.000 per kg to Rp14,000 per kg.

"In my opinion, the price of rice with ordinary quality has now increased its price to Rp11,500 from the previous price of Rp9,500 per kilogram, I also have minimal capital," said the rice trader at Leuwipanjang Market, Leni.

Leni said the price of rice sold had increased since October 2022 because there was no harvest season yet and rice stocks at the factory were running low.

Meanwhile, at Astana Anyar Market, the price of medium rice has currently increased by 22 percent from Rp. 9,000 per kg to Rp. 11,000 per kg, and the price of premium rice rose 7 percent from the price of Rp. 13,000 per kg to Rp. 14,000 per kg.

Rice traders at Astana Anyar Market, Andi, said that if the harvest season arrives, it is possible that rice prices in the market will stabilize again. "Actually, the price of rice increases every day, when the harvest season arrives later in March and the harvest does not fail, it is possible that rice prices will also fall again," said Andi.