‘Tis the season once more – a time for Christmas and New Year celebrations! Amidst the merriment and joy, it appears that the festive spirit has had an impact on food prices in Semarang city, as noted by Vice President Amin. During a recent visit to Johar Market, he observed a notable increase in prices, not due to limited supply, but rather the heightened demand from consumers during the holiday season.

Amin emphasised the cyclical nature of major religious celebrations as the catalyst for the surge in consumer demand, resulting in elevated prices for essential goods. One example he highlighted was the price of chili, which soared to Rp60 thousand per kilogram following Christmas Day. Nevertheless, Amin reassured that there is no scarcity of staples such as chili, potatoes, rice, and vegetables in the city.

To tackle the issue, the Vice President called on relevant agencies to prioritise the distribution of food products within local areas before catering to demand outside of Java. He stressed the importance of governing regulations to ensure that local areas have ample supplies before fulfilling external requests.

Beyond the impact on food prices, Amin also brought attention to the challenges faced by traders at the rejuvenated market, which had previously suffered a fire in 2015. Some traders voiced concerns about the lack of foot traffic at the market post-revitalisation. In response, Amin urged the governor to restructure the market layout to make it more accessible and appealing to visitors.

This observation by the Vice President echoes previous entreaties from Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR), Puan Maharani, for the government to monitor the escalating prices of staple goods, especially in the lead-up to the New Year. It is evident that the holiday season’s influence on food prices has garnered attention from various leaders, all striving to confront the challenges faced by consumers and traders alike.

As the festivities persist and families come together to revel, it is crucial to be mindful of the potential impact on the prices of essential goods. While the holiday spirit unites people, it is equally vital to ensure that access to affordable and ample food supplies is upheld for all, regardless of the season.

Fundamentally, the holiday season brings not only joy and jubilation but also an awareness of the impact on food prices, prompting leaders to take action to mitigate its effects on local communities. With these endeavours in place, the aim is to establish equilibrium that allows for festive celebrations while guaranteeing that essential goods remain accessible and affordable for all.