Indonesia food prices fluctuate as chicken and chili costs rise

Food commodity prices in Indonesia are experiencing significant volatility and upward pressure. The National Strategic Food Price Information Center (PIHPS) and Bank Indonesia have reported fluctuations across various staples. While some regions see stability in onions and tomatoes, national data indicates rising costs for rice, sugar, and various types of chili.

Chicken meat prices are a particular concern. The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) warned that chicken prices are rising in 188 districts and cities. In some areas, prices have exceeded the government-set selling reference price (HAP), reaching as high as Rp100,000 per kg in Intan Jaya. This surge is attributed to increased demand as an alternative to fish, which has become scarce due to adverse weather affecting fishermen.

Egg producers in Yogyakarta are facing severe financial distress due to low market prices falling below Rp20,000 per kg, while feed costs remain high at approximately Rp8,000 per kg. In protest, the Yogyakarta Layer Poultry Breeders Association (P3Y) distributed thousands of free chickens to the public to highlight the unsustainability of current production costs. Additionally, coffee prices in Rejang Lebong have seen a slight decline, influenced by global market movements.