Indonesia cayenne pepper prices surge above official ceilings

Cayenne pepper prices in Indonesia have surged significantly, reaching a national average of Rp77,596 per kilogram in the third week of September 2026. This represents a 29.85 percent increase compared to August and sits well above the upper limit of the Sales Reference Price (HAP) of Rp57,000 per kilogram.

Data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) indicates that price increases have spread to 265 regencies and cities, covering approximately 73.61 percent of the country. In certain regions, prices have spiked drastically; Halmahera Timur recorded prices near Rp199,556 per kg, while Halmahera Utara reached Rp160,000 per kg.

Sudi Mardianto, Director of Vegetables and Medicinal Plants at the Ministry of Agriculture, noted that while national production is estimated at 132,926 tons—with 79 percent located in Java—there is a significant price gap between farmers and markets. He suggested that high price disparities may indicate market speculation.

Other food commodities also showed price fluctuations. According to the National Strategic Food Price Information Center (PIHPS) managed by Bank Indonesia, red chili prices and chicken egg prices were also monitored alongside staples like rice, garlic, and shallots.