Ilona Estherina, Jakarta – Indonesia experienced a monthly deflation of 0.03 percent in August 2024, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS).

Pudji Ismartini, Deputy for Distribution and Services Statistics, reported a decrease in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from 106.09 in July 2024 to 106.06 in August 2024.

"This month's deflation is lower than in July 2024 and marks the fourth deflation this year," Pudji stated in an online presentation on Monday, September 2, 2024.

The expenditure group contributing the most to the monthly deflation was food, beverages, and tobacco, which recorded a deflation of 0.52 percent, contributing 0.15 percent to the overall deflation.

On the other hand, certain commodities contributed to inflation, including gasoline and bird's eye chili, each contributing 0.03 percent. Ground coffee and gold jewelry each contributed 0.02 percent, while rice, machine-rolled cigarettes, and cucumbers each contributed 0.01 percent to inflation.

On a year-on-year basis, inflation in August 2024 was recorded at 2.12 percent compared to August 2023, with the CPI at 106.06. The highest annual provincial inflation was recorded in Papua Pegunungan Province at 5.05 percent with a CPI of 110.78, while the lowest was in Bangka Belitung Islands Province at 1.02 percent with a CPI of 103.78.

Speaking at the Regional Representative Council (DPD) office today, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati stated that the government continues to strive to control inflation, particularly those caused by high food prices.

As is known, Indonesia faced inflation challenges due to rising food prices, especially rice, influenced by the El Nino phenomenon. "So if the downward correction in food prices becomes a positive trend, we should remain vigilant. If we look at core inflation, it's quite good and still growing, which is okay," Sri Mulyani said.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1911520/bps-records-four-consecutive-months-of-deflation-through-augus