Inflation Recorded at 0.16 Percent in May

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesias National Statistics Agency (BPS) has recorded an inflation of 0.16 percent in May, which is contributed by processed food prices, among others.

"Processed foods, beverages, cigarette and tobacco have contributed to the May inflation," Head of the BPS Suryamin claimed here on Monday.

Based on that, the countrys calendar year inflation between January and May is recorded at 1.56 percent, while the year-on-year inflation is at 7.32 percent.

The core inflation in May is at 0.23 percent, while the year-on-year inflation is at 32 percent, he added.

"Compared to May, last year, which recorded a deflation, the inflation in May, this year, is a bit higher. This can be used by the government to take an anticipatory measure ahead of the Islamic fasting month and the new school year," Suryamin reiterated.

Suryamin pointed out that processed foods, beverages, cigarette and tobacco contributed 0.35 percent to the inflation in May, while the health sector 0.41 percent, and housing, water, electricity, gas and fuels contributed 0.23 percent.

Other inflation contributors are clothing at 0.12 percent, transportation, communication and finance at 0.21 percent and education, recreation and sports at 0.07 percent.

Only food materials recorded a deflation of 0.15 percent in May, Suryamin added.

Out of the 82 cities used as the basis for determining the Consumer Price Index, the statistics agency has recorded inflation in 67 of them and deflation in only 15 of them.

The highest inflation was recorded in Pematang Siantar (North Sumatra) at 1.61 percent and the lowest in Tegal (Central Java) and Kupang (East Nusa Tenggara) at 0.01 percent.

Among the cities that recorded a deflation are Pangkal Pinang (Bangak Belitung, Sumatra) and Palembang (Sumatra) respectively recording a high deflation of 1.27 percent and a low deflation of 0.03 percent.

"Almost all cities in Java suffered an inflation of below 0.5 percent, but this is still relatively under control. Control of inflation outside Java however is not yet equal. Inflation must have been controlled across the country," Suryamin noted.(WDY)