February 18, 2026 | 01:20 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Trade Minister Budi Santoso stated that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program provides demand guarantees that motivate chicken farmers to increase production. "Because the demand becomes certain. In the past, the demand fluctuated depending on the market," Budi said at the Ministry of Trade complex on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Budi observed that chicken farmers, MSMEs included, have ramped up production to meet the high demand generated by the MBG initiative. He pointed out that this production growth influences the market price of chicken meat.
According to Budi, chicken meat prices have not surged because production levels align with demand. "Is it possible for the supply to be abundant and suddenly the price surges? No, it doesn't happen. All prices are also good," he explained.
The Ministry of Trade’s Market and Basic Needs Monitoring System (SP2KP) recorded the national average price for chicken at approximately Rp40,259 per kilogram as of February 13, 2027. This current national price slightly exceeds the government’s reference purchase price, which is set at Rp40,000 per kilogram.
With the national average at Rp40,259 per kilogram, Budi stated that some regions still maintain prices below the reference point.
However, Budi clarified that the Ministry of Trade will continue to monitor the causes behind chicken meat price increases. According to him, there are two possible reasons for price hikes: supply shortages or demand surges.
Between these two causes, Budi believes the current trigger is a surge in demand ahead of religious holidays like Eid. He mentioned that business operators reported no supply constraints. "But we ask for anticipation. Even during Eid or the New Year, the supply must be maintained. So, when the demand surges, the price must remain stable," he said.
Budi stated that, to maintain price stability, the Ministry of Trade is urging high-priced food markets to focus heavily on distribution logistics. He added that the Ministry is also partnering with other agencies and local governments to track food price movements. "We want to ensure there are no spikes, and if an increase occurs, we will immediately identify the cause," he concluded.
Read: Ultra-Processed Food Barred from Free Nutritious Meals Ramadan Distribution
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