Salt Prices Collapse, Haji Her Targets Buying 100 Tons at Higher Prices

PAMEKASAN, KOMPAS.com - The plummeting salt prices in Pamekasan Regency, East Java, have prompted Haji Khairul Umam, known as Haji Her, to buy salt from farmers at higher prices.

Previously, salt prices had dropped as low as Rp 800 per kilogram, with the highest going for Rp 1,000 per kilogram.

Haji Her said he has started to focus on the salt business and has been purchasing salt at prices above the drastically reduced market rates.

"For now, I am buying at Rp 1,350 per kilogram to provide relief to the farmers," Haji Her said on Wednesday (9/23/2026).

The CEO of PT Bawang Mas Group admitted he plans to absorb 100 tons of salt. So far, he has bought 15,000 tons from farmers.

He explained that the plummeting salt prices severely harm farmers, so price stabilization is necessary.

"Since I started purchasing at a higher price, other parties have also increased their buying prices," he said.

In fact, according to Haji Her, some companies have started buying salt at prices higher than what he pays, which is very beneficial for salt farmers.

"Now, there are companies purchasing salt at Rp 1,400 per kilogram, and this is good," he added.

Furthermore, Haji Her revealed that the absorption of salt will continue gradually, as salt harvesting by farmers is also phased.

He emphasized that both salt farmers and tobacco farmers must prosper and that purchases should reflect production costs, even though current buying prices are still below the Cost of Production (HPP).

"Salt prices had plummeted, but now they are gradually rising and becoming favorable," concluded Haji Her.