The launch of red onion exports to several Southeast Asian countries took place in Brebes, along the Pantura route, marking the opening of the 2024 Red Onion Festival on Friday evening. The export targets four countries: Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand. This export process is set to continue until November 2024, with a total volume of 19,000 tons. Specifically, 2,000 tons will be exported to Singapore, 10,000 tons to Thailand, 2,000 tons to Malaysia, and 5,000 tons to Vietnam. The Acting Regent of Brebes, Iwannudin Iskandar, stated that the export aims to absorb the farmers' harvest during the peak season and stabilize red onion prices when production is abundant.
According to Iskandar, the current red onion supply is ample, with production in Brebes contributing significantly to regional and national needs. Marwadi, the Head of Bank Indonesia's Tegal Representative Office, noted that red onions are a key factor in inflation. He mentioned that as of July 2024, Brebes' leading agricultural commodity has been a major contributor to both inflation and deflation. Over the past seven months, red onions have appeared three times as a primary driver of inflation and three times as a significant contributor to deflation in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of Tegal City in 2024. Meanwhile, the Red Onion Festival held in Brebes features numerous stands showcasing various agricultural products, including red onions and their processed derivatives.
