PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Department of Trade and Industry (Disdagin) is once again holding the 2026 Main Cheap Bazaar (Basmut) in 30 sub-districts. Entering its second day on Tuesday (September 1, 2026), the event took place in several areas, including Astanaanyar and Cicendo sub-districts.

The Basmut program will be implemented in stages over 10 days, from August 31 to September 11, 2026. This program provides various basic necessities at more affordable prices as one of the government's efforts to maintain people's purchasing power and help control inflation.

The Head of the Bandung City Trade and Industry Agency, Roni Ahmad Nuruddin, said that Basmut is a government measure to ensure the availability and affordability of basic necessities for the community.

"This is to control inflation, control the availability, and ensure the affordability of basic goods for the public," explained Roni.

In its implementation, the Department of Trade and Industry collaborated with regional offices, the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), the Department of Agriculture and Food Security, and several distributors. Various basic necessities were available at the bazaar, such as rice, cooking oil, eggs, chicken, and beef.

According to Roni, rice and cooking oil are the commodities most in demand by the public.

"From Bulog, the public seems enthusiastic about rice and other oils, such as eggs, chicken, and beef, which we also provide," explained Roni.

Astri Sri Kusendang, Head of the 2026 Main Cheap Bazaar Team of the Bandung City Trade and Industry Office, said that this activity is one way to bring basic necessities closer to the community at more affordable prices.

"Thank God, this activity is considered important because we want to help people get basic necessities more easily, which of course will also be more affordable," said Astri.

Public enthusiasm was evident at several locations, including in Astanaanyar District. Residents took advantage of the event to purchase household necessities at prices considered lower than market prices.

One resident, Ani Maryani, admitted that she was helped by the prices offered at the bazaar.

"Yes, it's cheap, the price is affordable for ordinary people like me," said Ani.

He noted that the price difference between bazaars and markets was quite significant. For example, one of the products he purchased was selling for around Rp 12,000 per kilogram. Meanwhile, he said the price of a similar product at the market could reach around Rp 14,000 to Rp 14,600 per kilogram.

Ani Maryati also took advantage of the bazaar to buy rice for household needs.

"It's cheaper and lessens the burden on the community," he said.

In addition to providing basic necessities, the Basmut program also features local MSMEs and provides a number of administrative services for the community, including the issuance of a Business Identification Number (NIB).

Roni invited the community to take advantage of the Basmut program that is present in their respective areas.

"We hope the public will take advantage of the Main Cheap Bazaar in 30 sub-districts. If they need something, they can shop directly at prices lower than market prices," he concluded.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/rka)