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The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in Awal Ramadhan, Harga Pangan di Makassar Melonjak

MAKASSAR, KOMPAS - Residents welcome the beginning of Ramadan with an increase in the prices of several basic necessities that have become increasingly higher. These prices are predicted to remain high, and even tend to increase further, until Idul Fitri later.

Observations at several traditional markets on Monday (11/3/2024), in Makassar City, South Sulawesi, showed this. The increase in the prices of various essential goods followed the increase in the price of rice that had occurred since the end of last year.

Egg prices per rack have increased from Rp 55,000 to Rp 65,000. Beef is being sold for up to Rp 145,000 per kilogram, up from the previous range of Rp 120,000 to Rp 130,000 per kg. Previously sold at Rp 27,000 per kg, chicken meat is now being sold for up to Rp 37,000 per kg. In some markets, it is approaching Rp 50,000 per kg.

The price of garlic has increased from IDR 30,000 to IDR 40,000 per kg. The prices for curly chili, red chili, and bird's eye chili are now averaging IDR 50,000 per kg, up from previously IDR 30,000 to IDR 35,000 per kg. Green beans, which are usually sold for IDR 10,000 per kg, are now being sold for IDR 20,000 per kg. Ginger has experienced a significant price hike, now costing IDR 60,000 per kg, up from its usual price of IDR 30,000 per kg.

"If it's already like this, the price will surely remain stable, even possibly higher when Lebaran comes later. In essence, let's save money and only buy what is necessary," said Syamsiah (50), a buyer at Pasar Pabaeng-Baeng.

Several traders choose not to sell commodities that have sharply risen in price. "If there's a recipe that calls for ginger, it's better not to use it. Even as a trader, I'm not buying ginger for the time being. Its price has gone up to Rp 60,000 per kilogram," said several traders at Terong Market, Makassar.

Actually, recently the government has taken several steps to suppress price increases. The government has conducted market operations and coordinated cheap food movements which took place for three days last week.

During the three-day affordable food movement that took place from Tuesday to Thursday (5-7/3/2024) last week, a number of commodities were prepared with prices below the market price. Among these commodities were rice, sugar, cooking oil, as well as onions and chili. Of the 68 locations for the affordable food movement in South Sulawesi, the most were in Makassar, which had eight locations.

Several traders choose not to sell commodities with high prices.

"This movement is carried out to reduce inflation and provide opportunities for residents to obtain various basic necessities. This is a collaboration between regions. There are areas that have a lot of onion, and there are those that produce rice. Therefore, all commodities complement each other," said Acting Governor of South Sulawesi Bahtiar Baharuddin when opening the affordable food movement in Makassar on Wednesday (6/2/2024).

However, despite various measures taken, prices in the market have already become high. Not all necessities can be found in the cheap market. Not all citizens can afford to buy necessities in the cheap market.

Source : kompas