Prices of Basic Commodities Rise Uncontrollably

Kompas/Nikson Sinaga

Traders tend commodities they offer at Petisah Market, Medan, North Sumatra, Friday (12/5). Ahead of the Ramadhan fasting month, the prices of onions, red chili and tomatoes escalate.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – The prices of several basic commodities in South Sulawesi, Ambon, Semarang, Blitar, Bandung and a number of other places in Indonesia have risen uncontrollably. The price of garlic has reached Rp 60,000 per kilogram and has been followed by increases in the prices of other commodities, such as red onions, eggs, chicken meat and chili.

Observations at traditional markets, such as Terong and Buakana Market in South Sulawesi and a number of supermarkets on Monday-Tuesday, showed the price of garlic, which had previously been Rp 30,000-Rp 35,000 per kilogram is now Rp 60,000 per kilogram. The price of red garlic has risen to Rp 45,000 per kg from Rp 35,000 per kg.