Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri monitored the availability and prices of basic commodities at Senen Market, Central Jakarta (12/31/2025) ahead of New Year's Eve 2026.
Based on observations, the availability and prices of key commodities are under control. The prices of a number of key commodities have declined compared to the last two weeks, particularly cooking oil and garlic, but there is one commodity whose price remains above the maximum retail price, namely chili peppers.
The price of bulk cooking oil is sold at Rp 15,500 per liter, which is still below the maximum retail price (HET) of Rp 15,700 per liter.
After monitoring the availability and price of cooking oil, Roro reviewed each vendor's stalls, starting with meat, vegetables, rice, eggs, and chili peppers.
From observations in the field, the price of garlic is around Rp40,000 per kg, while shallots are around Rp50,000 per kg, chicken meat is Rp40,000 per kg, and beef is Rp134,000 per kg. All prices are based on the maximum retail price.
One commodity that has experienced a price increase is chili peppers due to weather factors. Based on data from the National Strategic Food Price Information Center (PIHPS), the price of red chili peppers at the national retail level at the end of December 2025 was around Rp 65,500 per kilogram (kg), while chicken eggs were around Rp 34,500 per kg.
At Senen Market, traders were observed selling red chili peppers at Rp 70,000 per kg, and chicken eggs were priced at around Rp 33,000 per kg.
Roro admits that there are still challenges in dealing with fluctuations in chili prices, one of which is the weather factor because chili is a commodity that is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.
"Yes, growing chili peppers is usually quite challenging because of the weather. Even dew can affect the chili peppers' buds, and it can spread to the entire plant," he said.
The Ministry of Trade continues to coordinate with the National Food Agency, relevant agencies, market managers, and Pasar Jaya to ensure that the supply of basic commodities is not only secure, but also that there are various options available to the public ahead of the New Year celebrations.
Preventing Shortages and Price Increases
IPB Agricultural Observer Dwi Andreas said that the availability and prices of basic commodities must be ensured ahead of the new year, with the aim of guaranteeing social and economic stability and protecting the purchasing power of the community, especially vulnerable groups.
As the New Year approaches, demand for foodstuffs such as rice, oil, chicken, eggs, and chili peppers usually increases dramatically due to household consumption and culinary industry needs.
Without supervision, unscrupulous traders can hoard goods, creating scarcity and driving up prices.
"Stable food prices maintain people's purchasing power, especially for low-income families, so that they can continue to meet their basic needs," he told SUAR Jakarta (31/12).
If the availability and prices of basic commodities are under control, people can celebrate the New Year with peace of mind, without worrying about expensive or hard-to-find food.
