JAKARTA (TheInsiderStories) – Indonesia recorded deflation of 0.02 percent in the month of March from previous month (month-on-month), led by a decline in food and transportation prices.
The Head of Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) Kecuk Suharyanto said the deflation in March was driven by certain product groups. “It is as expected. In March, the deflation reached 0.02%,” he said. Most analysts have also expected an inflation in the month.
BPS recorded that food products declined by 0.66 percent in the month; and transportation, communication and financial services declined by 0.13 percent.
Products that recorded a rise were processed food, cigarette, beverage and tobacco which rose by 0.31 percent; housing, water electricity, gas and fuel prices fell by 0.30 percent; clothing rose by 0.21% and and education, recreation and sport rose 0.08 percent.
The calender year inflation (January-March) reached 1.19 percent and year-on-year inflation (March against March) reached 3.61 percent. Meanwhile, core inflation in March was at 0.10 percent, while core inflation in the first three month reached 1.03% and year-on-year core inflation stood at 3.30 percent. (*)