Bird's Eye Chili Price in Mamuju Skyrockets to Rp 100,000 per Kg, Vendors: The Goods Are Very Hard to Get

MAMUJU, KOMPAS.com - The price of bird's eye chili at the Traditional Market on Abd Syakur Street, Karema Sub-district, Mamuju Regency, West Sulawesi, has soared to Rp 100,000 per kilogram as of Saturday (19/9/2026).

Not only that, vendors are also complaining about difficulties in obtaining the goods.

Previously, the price of bird's eye chili was around Rp 40,000 per kg, but it has now increased to Rp 100,000 per kilogram.

Price hikes have also been seen in curly chili, rising from Rp 45,000 to Rp 60,000 per kg. Meanwhile, large chili peppers have gone up from Rp 40,000 to Rp 50,000 per kg.

Several other commodities have also experienced increases, such as carrots from Rp 15,000 to Rp 22,000 per kg, green beans from Rp 20,000 to Rp 30,000 per kg, and potatoes from Rp 18,000 to Rp 23,000 per kg.

Jamaluddin, one of the vendors, said the price of bird's eye chili has been rising for about two weeks.

He also noted the scarcity of supply, as sellers have to wait four days to receive a shipment of bird's eye chili.

"This bird's eye chili has been hitting Rp 100,000 per kg for two weeks now, but the main problem is the scarcity. We have to wait four days to get supply from collectors, and even then the quantity is limited," Jamaluddin told Kompas.com.

Canteen Owners Caught in a Dilemma

This situation is seriously impacting the micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) sector, particularly the owners of food stalls in Mamuju.

Siti (42), a food stall owner, admitted that she is deeply affected by the soaring bird's eye chili prices.

The chili sauce, a key complement in her menu offerings, is now the largest operational expense.

"Bird's eye chili is the soul of the chili sauce at our stall. With prices at Rp 100,000 per kg and the scarcity of supply, we’re in a bind. If we raise food prices, we risk losing customers; but if we don’t, our profits are wiped out just covering chili costs," Siti lamented.

To manage the rising costs, Siti said she has resorted to mixing in curly chili or reducing the daily portion of chili sauce.

Shallot Prices Remain Stable

Amid the chili price surge, prices of other cooking spices have remained relatively stable.

Red shallots are stable at Rp 40,000 per kg and garlic at Rp 35,000 per kg.

Meanwhile, supplies of other staple needs such as MinyaKita cooking oil and SPHP (Food Supply and Price Stabilization) rice are also confirmed to remain secure.