Chronology of the Boycott of Padang Restaurants in Cirebon, Their Food Prices Are Said to Be Too Cheap

Kapanlagi.com - A 38-second video showing the removal of the 'Padang Cuisine' label at a restaurant in Sukadana Village, Cirebon, is currently a hot topic on social media. This video sparked a debate among netizens, especially as it involves fierce competition in the local culinary scene.

The restaurant involved in this controversy offers dishes at a very affordable price, only Rp 9,000 per serving. The advisor of the Cirebon Padang Restaurant Association (PRMPC), Erlinus Tahar, confirmed this incident and explained that the phenomenon of cheap restaurants with the Padang cuisine label has been on the rise since 2021 or 2022.

Erlinus emphasized that this step was taken to maintain healthy competition among business actors. He stressed that they do not prohibit anyone from selling Padang cuisine, but he strongly reminded the importance of keeping prices from harming other traders.

"We do not prohibit outsiders from Minang from selling Nasi Padang. However, if the price is only Rp 9,000 for a serving with chicken, that is already too cheap," he asserted. This controversy has also garnered many comments and reactions from netizens, indicating how important the issue of price is in the increasingly competitive culinary world.

1. Action of Removing Labels and Reactions from Netizens

A viral video on social media shows two people boldly removing a sign reading 'Padang Cuisine' from a restaurant, triggering a wave of striking public attention.

This reckless action is seen as a protest against unhealthy business competition, and netizens are not staying silent. Various reactions have emerged, including sharp criticism of the action.

"If the issue of low prices becomes a concern, it could actually damage the image of Minang," said one social media user, highlighting the impact of the increasingly heated competition.

2. Official Statement from PRMPC

Erlinus Tahar emphasized that PRMPC does not prohibit anyone from selling Padang cuisine, but he warned that excessively low promotional prices could disrupt market balance and threaten the existence of traditional vendors.

"After negotiations, the owner finally agreed to remove the sign 'Padang Cuisine'," he said. He also revealed that the trend of cheap restaurants is booming in Cirebon, with many entrepreneurs coming from outside the city like Bandung and Jakarta, creating increasingly tight competition in the local culinary scene.

3. Support and Clarification from IKM

The Daily Chairman of the Minang Family Association (IKM), Andre Rosiade, provided an interesting explanation regarding the phenomenon of non-Minang individuals opening Padang restaurants. He firmly stated that every citizen has the right to sell Padang rice, without any restrictions.

Through his official X account, Andre explained that a license from IKM is not an absolute requirement, but rather a step to maintain the authenticity of the already famous Padang cuisine.

"The license is important to ensure authentic taste," he added, emphasizing his commitment to regional culinary traditions.

4. License Controversy and Price Competition Implications

The PRMPC's decision to revoke the price label has sparked a heated debate regarding licenses and competition in the market. Hoping to create fairness among traders, Erlinus emphasized, "We want to ensure that competition remains healthy and all traders can make a profit."

However, many netizens consider this step excessive. "This is just a matter of price competition, it doesn’t need to be blown out of proportion," stated one user voicing their opinion.

5. Explanation from the Police

The Pabuaran Police Chief, AKP Muchamad Soleh, stated that the incident that occurred on Thursday, October 17, 2024, took place peacefully and in an orderly manner.

He emphasized that the removal carried out did not involve violence, and the situation remained safe. "Everything went according to agreement after good negotiations, without any further incidents," he concluded his explanation.

(kpl/rmt)