Evaluation of the Impact of Price Increases on the Availability of Basic Necessities for the Community in the 2024 Election Era

Abstract

The fluctuation of staple food prices, especially rice, has often become a significant concern in Indonesia, particularly during periods of political transition, such as the 2024 election era. This study aims to evaluate the impact of price increases on the availability of basic necessities for the community. The research employed a quantitative method using survey data from 120 households in urban and rural areas, combined with secondary data from the National Statistics Agency. The results reveal that price increases in rice and cooking oil had a direct effect on reducing household consumption levels, with 68% of respondents reporting difficulty in maintaining food sufficiency. The novelty of this research lies in highlighting the intersection between electoral dynamics and food security issues. The findings imply that policymakers should anticipate political cycles by implementing stabilization programs and subsidy schemes to ensure the continuous availability of essential goods.