W Sumatra Inflation at Beginning of 2018 is Stable: BI

Padang, (Antaranews Sumbar) - Bank Indonesia Representative of West Sumatra recorded inflation in the province at the beginning of 2018 is stable and restrained at 0.46 percent

"The development of West Sumatra prices in January 2018 is relatively stable and controlled so that West Sumatra inflation has decreased compared to December 2017 which reached 0.68 percent," Head of Bank Indonesia Representative of West Sumatra, Endy Dwi Tjahjono stated in Padang on Tuesday.

He expressed the achievement of monthly inflation in West Sumatra in January 2018 is the seventh lowest of 33 provinces nationwide.

"As for February 2018, we expect the inflation rate to be moderate," he said.

According to him, inflationary pressures on food groups are volatile which still sourced from climate-prone commodities such as chili.

It is related to the weather forecast in February 2018 that shows rainfall in West Sumatra. It evenly at intermediate levels with varying rainfall properties in some areas ranging from below normal, normal and above normal.

"The condition is still at risk for red chili," he added.

Earlier, Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) of West Sumatra explained that the rising price of chicken meat became the trigger of inflation in Padang in January 2018 besides oily cake.

"In the first month of 2018, Padang experienced inflation 0.43 percent and chicken meat became the biggest contributor to inflation with 0.09 percent share," West Sumatra BPS Head, Sukardi stated.

On the other hand, during January, other commodities experienced price declines, among others, beef, sugar, siam, jerky and rice, he added. (cha)

Translator: Vicha Faradika