W Sumatra Experiences 0.10 Percent Deflation in February

Padang, (Antaranews Sumbar) - Bank Indonesia representative of West Sumatra recorded the consumer price index in the province in February 2018 experienced deflation of 0.10 percent or decreased compared to January recorded inflation 0.46 percent.

"The deflation in February 2018 has made West Sumatra the 11th lowest province of 14 deflationary provinces across Indonesia," Chief of Bank Indonesia representative of West Sumatra, Endi Dwi Tjahjono said in Padang on Tuesday.

According to him, West Sumatra monthly deflation comes from falling prices of volatile foods and administered prices.

In the foodstuff category, volatile deflation in February 2018 was recorded at 0.83 percent decline significantly from January 2018 which experienced inflation of 0.93 percent, he said.

He said deflation was due to falling rice prices, red onion, chickens due to the stewardship of supply as the harvest season soars the price of rice and onion.

Meanwhile, the decline in commodity prices of chicken meat due to the decline in public demand after the end of peak demand at the end of last year.

In line with the government-regulated goods category, it also recorded deflation of 0.02 percent with the largest contribution coming from the decline in price of air freight.

The end of the densely packed year-end holiday season became the main cause of the decline in commodity prices, although the decline in government-managed goods category stalled with non-subsidized fuel price increases, he explained.

Besides, core goods group recorded inflation of 0.24 percent or lower compared to the realization in January 2018 of 0.46 percent.

"The increase in core group price is contributed by the brick and gold price of jewelry," he added.

Then for March 2018, it is estimated that West Sumatra price movement increased and experienced inflation at a moderate level.

He conveyed the continuing impact of a non-subsidized fuel price hike estimated to be one of the causes of West Sumatra inflationary pressures in March 2018. (cha)