As the festive season of Lebaran approaches, the markets in Pangkalpinang are witnessing a significant surge in food prices, particularly for essential commodities like chili and onions. On March 27, 2025, just four days before the holiday, the prices of various food items at Air Itam Market have skyrocketed, raising concerns among consumers.
According to reports from Bangkapos.com, local cayenne pepper has reached an astonishing Rp135,000 per kilogram, while cayenne pepper sourced from outside the region is priced at Rp120,000 per kilogram. Additionally, large red chilies are now selling for Rp60,000 per kilogram. This increase in chili prices has been observed over the last four days, and traders predict that prices will continue to rise.
Yuli, a vendor at Air Itam Market, expressed her concerns, stating, "Chili prices have been on the rise since today, and it’s likely to increase again tomorrow. For large chili alone, the cost today is already Rp60,000 per kilogram." The price hikes are not limited to chili; red onions from Padang are now priced at Rp45,000 per kilogram, while Brebes red onions are even more expensive at Rp55,000 per kilogram. Garlic and Bombay onions are priced at Rp43,000 and Rp30,000 per kilogram, respectively. In contrast, other vegetables like carrots and potatoes remain relatively stable at Rp20,000 per kilogram.
The steep rise in prices has adversely affected the purchasing power of the local population, which has drastically decreased compared to previous years. Observations from Bangkapos.com indicate a noticeable decline in market activity as the holiday approaches. Yuli commented, "Usually, as we get closer to H-7 of Lebaran, the market is bustling. But this year, it’s quiet, likely due to the high prices. Customers are not as numerous as last year."
This price surge is attributed to several factors, including adverse weather conditions, increased demand, and distribution challenges. Yuli noted that most of these vegetable commodities are sourced from outside the region, particularly onions, carrots, potatoes, and chilies. Despite the overall price normalization of kitchen spices, the cost of chili remains high, although Yuli reassured that stocks are sufficient.
In the midst of rising prices, consumers like Sandra voiced their frustrations, hoping for a decrease in prices to meet their Lebaran needs without incurring excessive costs. "All prices are up now; this chili price is outrageous. We hope it can come down because there are many needs for the upcoming holiday," she lamented.
Meanwhile, in Jakarta, the number of travelers departing from Gambir Station is also on the rise as the holiday approaches. On the same day, March 27, 2025, PT KAI Daerah Operasi (Daop) 1 Jakarta reported a 100% occupancy rate of the available 21,252 seats, as people prepare for their long-awaited Eid celebrations. Ixfan Hendriwintoko, the Public Relations Manager for PT KAI, explained that the increase in departures is attributed to the last working day before the extended Lebaran and Nyepi holiday, which begins on March 28, 2025.
On this day, 45 trains departed from Gambir Station, and during the entire Lebaran homecoming period, which spans from March 21 to April 11, 2025, an average of 45 trains are scheduled to leave daily, totaling 990 trips. As of March 27, 2025, 262,775 tickets had been sold, representing 56% of the available seats at Gambir Station. In total, Daop 1 Jakarta has sold 710,036 tickets, or 69% of the 1.03 million available seats.
In addition to Gambir Station, significant departures have also been recorded at Senen Station, where 76% of the 567,752 tickets available have already been sold. However, the average number of trains departing from Senen during the Lebaran period is lower than that from Gambir, with only 39 trains scheduled, totaling 868 trips.
Traffic conditions in Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY) are also reflecting the holiday rush. According to AKBP Widya Mustikaningrum from the DIY Traffic Police, there has been a noticeable increase in vehicles exiting from the Tamanmartani functional exit in Sleman, with nearly 300 vehicles per hour recorded on March 27, 2025. This is a significant rise from the previous day's count of 236 vehicles per hour. The functional route was opened earlier to accommodate the influx of travelers, starting at 6:00 AM instead of the usual 7:00 AM.
As of 11:00 AM on March 27, 2025, traffic data indicates that 2,300 vehicles entered through Tempel, while 1,500 vehicles came through Prambanan per hour. The peak of the exodus in Yogyakarta is anticipated to occur on March 28 or 29, as more travelers head home for the holiday.
As the days draw closer to Lebaran, the combination of rising prices in markets and the bustling travel activity is shaping a unique festive atmosphere. While vendors and consumers navigate the challenges of fluctuating prices, travelers prepare for joyful reunions with family and friends, marking the significance of this cherished holiday.
