Bekasi. It might be smelly, but it's a national favorite -- and now it’s almost as pricey as beef.

The price of jengkol, a pungent nut often found in traditional Indonesian meals, has surged in Bekasi, reaching up to Rp 100,000 ($6) per kilogram at traditional markets. That’s nearly the same as beef, which ranges between Rp 120,000 and Rp 150,000/kg, and far above the price of chicken at Rp 60,000/kg.

Jengkol -- also known as dog fruit (Archidendron pauciflorum) -- may be infamous for its smell and mild toxicity, but it remains a beloved side dish, especially in dishes like semur jengkol and nasi uduk (steamed rice).

According to Helmi Yenti, Head of Staple Goods Control at the Bekasi Trade Office, the price spike has been going on for over a week now.

“Jengkol prices are soaring -- it’s now even more expensive than chicken, and approaching beef prices,” Helmi said Monday.

The reason? Supply shortage. Helmi said farmers haven’t entered harvest season yet, so the jengkol supply is running low in local markets.

“Distributors are only supplying small amounts because the trees haven’t fruited yet -- they’re still in the flowering stage,” she explained.

Bekasi usually sources jengkol from Lampung, Bengkulu, and several provinces in Java, but all those areas are facing the same seasonal delay.

Despite the sharp rise, jengkol isn't considered a staple food, so it won’t affect the official inflation rate. But the impact is being felt by small food vendors -- especially nasi uduk stalls that normally include jengkol in their dishes.

“We’ve spoken with distributors, and thankfully, this won’t last forever. Harvest season should begin around the end of August,” Helmi said.

At Tambun Market in East Bekasi, jengkol vendor Idham (48) said prices have jumped from Rp 60,000 to Rp 100,000/kg. Sales have slowed as a result, with buyers now purchasing smaller quantities.

“Regulars still come, but instead of five kilos, they now just buy three,” he said.

In West Cikarang, nasi uduk seller Nur (56) has pulled semur jengkol off the menu entirely.

“Customers keep asking why there’s no jengkol, but what can I do? It’s just too expensive right now,” she said.

She hopes prices will soon return to normal, so her customers can enjoy the beloved dish again.

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