Government Launches Chili Price Stabilization Program

Emergency Purchase to Support Farmers and Consumers

The Indonesian government has taken decisive action to address the recent surge in chili prices by purchasing 40 tons of chili peppers from farmers in Aceh Tengah and Bener Meriah regencies. This emergency measure aims to support farmers affected by natural disasters while simultaneously stabilizing market prices ¹

Airlift Operation to Boost Jakarta Supply

In a coordinated effort, 15 tons of chili peppers were airlifted to Jakarta using a TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) Air Force Hercules aircraft. The shipment was transported from Rembele Airport to Halim Perdanakusumah Airport, demonstrating the government's logistical capabilities in managing food supply chains during crises ¹

Price Stabilization Efforts

The purchase price from farmers in Aceh was approximately Rp 21,000/kg, with plans to sell at Pasar Induk Jakarta at around Rp 41,000/kg. According to Sarwo Edi, Secretary General of the National Food Agency (Badan Pangan Nasional), this intervention is expected to help reduce the current market price of chili peppers, which has soared to Rp 100,000/kg for red cayenne pepper ²

Market Impact and Future Projections

The government's intervention is designed to achieve multiple objectives: supporting farmers by ensuring market absorption of their produce, stabilizing consumer prices, and demonstrating effective crisis management in the agricultural sector. While the immediate target is to bring prices down to Rp 41,000/kg at Pasar Induk Jakarta, the broader goal is to achieve a more sustainable price level of Rp 55,000/kg in other markets ²