Inflation was recorded at 0.21 percent in May, higher than 0.1 percent recorded in the previous month, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) announced on Monday. The latest figure brought year-to-date (ytd) inflation at 1.3 percent.

Meanwhile, year-on-year (yoy) inflation was recorded at 3.23 percent in May, lower than 4.33 percent and 3.33 percent recorded over the same month in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The highest inflation was recorded in the clothing category at 0.33 percent due to the increasing demand in the period leading to Idul Fitri, said BPS head Suhariyanto.

Meanwhile, inflation from foodstuff was recorded at 0.21 percent, with several commodities such as chicken meat, chicken eggs, fish and shallots seeing price increases in May.

Among the commodities that have seen price declines over the same period were cabai merah (red chili), garlic, rice and cabai rawit (cayenne pepper).

Based on its component, core inflation stood at 0.21 percent in May, while volatile food inflation was recorded at 0.19 percent over the same period.

“Volatile food [inflation] in May was under control due to the government’s effort to manage food distribution and market operations in various places,” he said in Jakarta on Monday.

Inflation in administered prices was recorded at 0.64 percent because of the increases in clove cigarette price and airline tariffs. (bbn)