No Signs of Unfair Practices as Food Prices Rise Ahead of Idulfitri, Says Watchdog
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JAKARTA, investortrust.id — While food prices have surged across Indonesia ahead of Idulfitri, the country’s antitrust commission has found no signs of market manipulation or unfair practices behind the increases. The price hikes, it says, are still within reasonable limits due to seasonal demand.
The Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) said its survey of traditional and modern markets in seven cities revealed widespread increases in staple commodities compared to prices at the beginning of Ramadan. Commissioner Eugenia Mardanugraha said bird’s eye chili and garlic saw the most significant price hikes.
“Both bird’s eye chili and garlic have experienced significant price increases across almost all regions,” Eugenia stated on Monday, March 31, 2025.
Despite the increase, she noted the movement was within acceptable seasonal trends. “We have not found any indication of unfair business practices or supply manipulation,” she added.
Sharp Rises in Garlic and Chili
Garlic prices surpassed the government’s benchmark price across traditional markets, peaking at Rp 47,500 per kilogram in Makassar, or about $3.04. In modern retailers, Samarinda posted the highest price at Rp 63,750 per kilogram, or $4.08.
According to Eugenia, “The increase in garlic prices is likely driven by rising prices at the importer and distributor levels.”
Chili prices saw even steeper jumps. In Bandung, bird’s eye chili reached Rp 115,000 per kilogram, while Samarinda recorded a high of Rp 167,450, or around $10.71 per kilogram. These increases were observed in nearly every surveyed city.
Rice Also Exceeds Official Ceiling
KPPU’s market monitoring covered Medan, Lampung, Bandung, Surabaya, Samarinda, Makassar, and Yogyakarta. Prices were compared to the official retail ceiling set by the National Food Agency (Bapanas).
Medium rice prices exceeded the ceiling in all surveyed areas, with the highest recorded in Samarinda at Rp 14,400 per kilogram. The lowest was in Lampung at Rp 13,216 per kilogram.
Modern markets in some cities reported empty shelves for medium rice. Premium rice in those outlets ranged from Rp 14,900 to Rp 15,916 per kilogram, with Surabaya reporting the highest and Lampung and Bandung aligning with the government-set ceiling.
Increased Surveillance and Stakeholder Collaboration
To ensure food availability and price stability, KPPU said it would continue monitoring the market and collaborate with relevant institutions. Eugenia emphasized that cooperation among stakeholders is crucial to protecting consumer access.
“With stronger coordination among stakeholders, we hope to guarantee stable supply and fair prices for the public,” she said.