By: Yusuf Rinaldi)*
Every time Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr approaches, the government ensures price stability and national food availability through active and measured monitoring measures. Increased public consumption is seen as a positive momentum reflecting a dynamic economic cycle. Within this framework, surprise inspections (sidak) serve as a strategic instrument to strengthen food governance, ensure smooth distribution, and maintain affordability of staple foods. The government’s direct presence in the field underscores its strong commitment to protecting public interests, strengthening supply chain transparency, and building public trust in a resilient and responsive national food system.
This step was evident when Sarwo Edhy, the Principal Secretary of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), personally visited Jonggol Market, known as a buffer market for the Bogor, Bekasi, and Jakarta areas. The presence of high-ranking officials at the final distribution point demonstrates the government’s prioritization of on-the-ground monitoring. Sarwo Edhy emphasized that during Ramadan, the government must remain vigilant and ensure prices remain under control and distribution runs smoothly. If any discrepancies are found, corrective measures will be taken immediately on site.
Monitoring results show that the majority of strategic food commodities are relatively stable. The price of local medium-grade rice is around Rp 13,000 per kilogram and premium rice is Rp 14,500 per kilogram. Shallots are recorded at Rp 40,000 per kilogram and garlic at Rp 36,000 per kilogram. For animal protein commodities, broiler chicken is priced at Rp 40,000–42,000 per kilogram, eggs at Rp 30,000–32,000 per kilogram, local beef at Rp 130,000–140,000 per kilogram, and imported beef at around Rp 120,000 per kilogram. Packaged sugar is sold at Rp 19,000 per kilogram and bulk sugar at Rp 18,000 per kilogram. This stability indicates that the supply and distribution system is operating quite effectively in responding to the surge in demand during Ramadan.
At the trader level, a steady supply is a key factor. Several traders reported that prices are relatively stable because supplies are obtained directly from nearby sources, such as slaughterhouses near the market. From a consumer perspective, affordable prices provide peace of mind when it comes to meeting the needs of breaking the fast and eating sahur with family. Price stability in traditional markets also indicates that government intervention is not only reflected in statistics but is truly felt by the community.
However, the government continues to pay special attention to commodities that continue to show price deviations, such as Minyakita cooking oil. In several locations, prices were found to be above the Highest Retail Price (HET) of IDR 15,700 per liter, even reaching IDR 18,000–18,500 per liter. Sarwo Edhy explained that the increase was triggered by prices at the distributor level, which were already above IDR 17,000 per liter, making it impossible for retailers to sell at the HET without incurring losses. Therefore, Bapanas, together with the Food Task Force, is conducting a distribution chain investigation from producers to retailers to ensure there are no irregularities or unreasonable margin taking.
The Head of the National Food and Agriculture Agency (Badan Bapanas), Andi Amran Sulaiman, emphasized that no party should exploit the momentum of Ramadan to manipulate food prices. He stated that the government will not tolerate excessive profiteering from the basic needs of people observing the holy month. This firm stance reinforces the message that the state is present to maintain a balance between business interests and consumer protection.
Strengthened supervision is also being carried out in various other regions. The Deputy for Food Availability and Stabilization of the National Food and Drug Authority (Bapanas), I Gusti Ketut Astawa, stated that based on spot inspections in several major cities, food stocks are considered secure and prices are relatively controlled until Eid al-Fitr. At Senen Market in Jakarta, the majority of strategic commodities are recorded as being within the HET and Reference Sales Price range. Fresh beef is priced at around Rp130,000–Rp140,000 per kilogram, chicken at around Rp40,000 per kilogram, and chicken eggs at between Rp29,000 and Rp30,500 per kilogram. Even red chili peppers are showing a downward trend in prices compared to the previous week.
The President Director of Perum Bulog, Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, conducted a spot check at Johar Market, Kepanjen Market, and Kanjengan Market, Semarang, to ensure supply stability during Ramadan until the Eid al-Fitr 1447 H. The monitoring results showed the price of premium rice at IDR 14,900 per kilogram, medium rice at IDR 13,500 per kilogram, and SPHP rice at IDR 12,500 per kilogram, all in accordance with the HET. The price of beef even dropped to IDR 130,000 per kilogram and chicken to IDR 35,000 per kilogram. Rizal emphasized that Bulog has experience in maintaining price stability during previous major holidays and will intensify monitoring throughout Ramadan to ensure sufficient stocks.
Economically, Ramadan inspections play a crucial role in managing market expectations. The government’s presence in traditional markets sends a strong signal that price mechanisms are actively monitored. In economic theory, market participants’ expectations significantly influence price behavior. When the government demonstrates its commitment to oversight and readiness to intervene, the space for speculation and hoarding becomes increasingly limited. Stability is built not only through stock availability but also through policy credibility.
)*The author is an economic observer