Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The National Food Agency (Bapanas) clarified that the recent price surge for red bird’s eye chili is caused by harvesting obstacles rather than a production deficit. 

During a market inspection on Monday (16/2/2026), officials noted that while national stocks remain sufficient, extreme rainfall has deterred laborers from harvesting to prevent the crop from rotting quickly.

“Production is actually very sufficient, but the problem lies in the picking process; during heavy rain, workers do not dare to harvest because the chili will rot fast,” explained I Gusti Ketut Astawa, the Bapanas Deputy for Food Availability and Stabilization, as quoted by antaranews.com.

Distribution was further hampered by recent public holidays, reducing supply flows to major wholesale markets. Despite these challenges, prices at the Kramat Jati Wholesale Market have begun to stabilize at Rp 80,000 per kg, down from last week’s peak of Rp100,000. 

Bapanas and the Indonesian National Police (INP) Food Task Force, continues to monitor the supply chain to prevent hoarding and ensure price stability ahead of Ramadan.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)