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ATAM: While people in other regions are bemoaning skyrocketing shallot and garlic prices, Batam residents are enjoying stable prices of the two commodities due to illegal imports.

Data from the Batam Statistics Agency (BPS) show that in both traditional and modern markets, shallots are trading for Rp 18,000 (US$1.85) to Rp 20,000 per kilogram. Prices are not expected to increase by more than Rp 2,000 per kilogram. Shallots in other regions sell for more than Rp 50,000 per kilogram.

The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) deputy chairman for small and medium enterprises, Syarifuddin Andi Bola, told The Jakarta Post on Saturday that shallots imported from Malaysia and Singapore had kept the price of the commodity in Batam markets stable.

“We are aware that imported shallots have been distributed in markets in Batam and this helps maintain price stability in the area while other regions face a shallot crisis,” said Syarifuddin.

Syarifuddin said the price stability in Batam was beneficial for consumers, but it showed that illegal shallot imports had continued.

Riko, a vegetable vendor at Botania Garden market, acknowledged that shallot prices in Batam remained stable. A week ago, he said, the price was Rp 18,000 per kilogram. On Saturday, shallots were selling for Rp 20,000 per kilogram.

Meanwhile, Batam Customs and Excise Office head of law enforcement and prevention Kunto Prasti Trenggono assured that no smuggled agricultural commodities were permitted to enter Batam. “If we find any smuggling of such commodities, we will take action,” said Kunto.