Key facts
- Indonesian food prices have fallen.
- Chicken and egg prices have decreased.
- The price drop occurred during a month-long school holiday.
- President Prabowo Subianto's free meal program was suspended during the holiday.
- Vegetable prices remain volatile.
- Seasonal factors influence vegetable prices.
Food prices in Indonesia, particularly for chicken and eggs, have experienced a decline during the recent month-long school holiday. This decrease coincides with the temporary suspension of President Prabowo Subianto's flagship free meal program. The program's pause allowed market forces to impact the cost of essential food items, leading to a noticeable drop in the prices of chicken and eggs. In contrast, vegetable prices continue to exhibit volatility, a trend attributed to prevailing seasonal factors. The suspension of the free meal initiative provided a period where the usual market supply and demand could more directly affect consumer prices for these staples. This situation highlights the potential market influence of large-scale government feeding programs and their subsequent impact when temporarily withdrawn.