Rachmadea Aisyah, Jakarta – The monthly inflation rate increased to 0.44 percent in April, higher than market expectations due mainly to an increase in food prices, Statistics Indonesia (BPS) announced on Thursday.

The rate rose from the 0.11 percent recorded in March, bringing year-to-date inflation to 0.8 percent and year-on-year (yoy) inflation to 2.83 percent.

BPS data shows that an increase in the price of food commodities and transportation fares mainly contributed to the higher-than-expected rate.

Food commodities contributed 0.31 percent to the monthly inflation rate, with several commodities like shallots, garlic and tomatoes showing price increases. Transportation contributed 0.05 percent to the inflation rate, mainly due to higher air fares.

BPS head Suhariyanto told a press briefing on Thursday that the increased inflation rate occurred just before the Ramadan fasting month, when the demand for food would rise sharply and contribute to a higher monthly inflation rate. Ramadan begins on May 5 this year.

"However, the 2.83 percent yoy inflation is below the target of 3.5 percent, so it generally remains under control," he said.

Source: https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2019/05/02/bps-records-unexpected-rise-in-april-inflation.html