Red hot chili peppers are an accepted economic indicator in Bali and other parts of Indonesia. The price of chili peppers in traditional markets across Bali has surpassed the Rp. 100,000 per kilogram.
As reported by NusaBali.com, Henny Sriwahju, the woman in charge of monitoring basic commodity prices in Bali’s Regency of Gianyar, confirmed that the cost of red chili peppers has increased over the past few weeks. Only one week ago, on 17 July 2024, the price of a kilogram of chilis stood at Rp. 45,000 per kilogram rose to Rp. 85,000 per kilogram only one week later for cayenne peppers (cabe merah keriting).
At several traditional markets in Bali, the price for red chilis is Rp. 80,000 per kilogram. Meanwhile, local shops in Bali are selling chilis for Rp. 100,000 per kilogram.
Henny Sriwahju explains that the escalating cost of chilis is due to a sudden shortage of chilis sent from East Java to Bali. The lack of a normal supply of chilis from beyond Bali has caused Bali stocks to be insufficient. Henny said the shortfall in local chilis may soon be remedied by chili crops now planted to meet increased demand over the coming Galungan Day celebrations.
Currently, 270 hectares of land in Gianyar Regency are under cultivation for chilis that will be ready for harvest in August and September. Providing normal weather patterns and no unanticipated crop failure, agricultural experts think supplies will be sufficient for the heavy chilis demand accompanying the Galungan—Kuningan Period.
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