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Statistics agency records deflation in August
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Central Statistics Agency (BPS) head Suhariyanto (second right) speaks to journalists during the agency's monthly press conference on Aug. 4 in Jakarta. (JP/Prima Wirayani)
I
ndonesia saw a lower consumer price index in August, recording 0.07 percent deflation, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) announced on Monday.
The figure brings the country's inflation to 2.53 percent year-to-date (ytd) and 3.82 percent year-on-year (yoy).
Core inflation in August hovered at 0.28 percent while administered price and volatile food prices saw deflations of 0.48 percent and 0.87 percent, respectively.
The result is in line with Bank Indonesia's projection that deflation was probable in August.
"The BPS's monitoring of the prices of various commodities in 82 cities [nationwide] generally show a decrease," BPS head Suhariyanto told a press conference on Monday.
Read also: Deflation may occur in August: Bank IndonesiaRaw food prices decreased by 0.67 percent in August due to the lower price of onions, garlic and fresh fish.
Transportation, communications and financial services saw a deflation of 0.6 percent, mainly caused by lower airfares and intercity transportation costs after Idul Fitri.
"We hope the inflation rate will be benign going forward," Suhariyanto said. "We have to be more cautious when approaching December because of the holiday season." Inflation typically spikes during holidays.
The government's inflation target this year is earmarked at 4 percent, and 3.5 percent for next year. (bbn)
