PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Bandung City's economic growth rate reached 5.76 percent in the first quarter of 2026, surpassing the previous year's 5.29 percent. However, behind this growth are challenges that must be addressed, namely rising inflation and the potential for inequality in welfare.

This was conveyed by the Mayor of Bandung, Muhammad Farhan, when attending the swearing-in ceremony of the KPKB administrators and supervisors for 2026-2031 at the Igun Sarbini Hall, 3rd Floor, KPKB Building, Bandung City, Tuesday (9/6/2026).

According to him, high economic growth indicates that Bandung residents' purchasing power continues to increase. Both public and government consumption have seen a significant increase. However, this situation has not been fully offset by the availability of goods, leading to price increases for several commodities.

"The good news is that Bandung City's economic growth has reached 5.76 percent. However, what needs to be monitored is inflation, which is currently at 0.3 percent per month. If calculated annually, the figure is already above 3.5 percent," said Farhan.

He explained that current inflation is influenced by rising prices for a number of essential goods, particularly food commodities like chilies, which have reached Rp 120,000 per kilogram. Furthermore, changes in consumption patterns among Bandung residents, who are increasingly choosing quality products, are also influencing market dynamics.

Farhan believes that the characteristics of Bandung City residents who have a high preference for middle-class products are both an opportunity and a challenge for business actors, including cooperatives.

"Consumption in Bandung is currently high. This is an opportunity for cooperatives to offer quality products at reasonable prices, not just cheap ones. This is where cooperatives can optimize profits while serving the needs of their members," he said.

On the occasion, Farhan encouraged the KPKB Partner Consumer Cooperative, which has approximately 4,500 members, to be more astute in identifying market trends. He suggested the cooperative expand its business to mid-range products, which are in high demand in Bandung.

Furthermore, Farhan also observed a shift in people's investment behavior. Currently, the middle class is increasingly choosing gold as an investment instrument over securities or stock market portfolios.

Therefore, Farhan encouraged cooperatives to collaborate with Pegadaian to develop gold savings products that members can access.

"Gold savings can be an attractive product. People are now looking for more stable and easier-to-understand investment instruments," he said.

However, Farhan reminded that the purpose of cooperatives is not solely to seek profit. He emphasized the importance of cooperatives' social mission as an instrument for equitable social welfare.

According to him, high economic growth does not automatically reduce social inequality. Therefore, cooperatives have a strategic role in ensuring that all members enjoy economic benefits.

"We must ensure that members with lower incomes also receive equal benefits. Cooperatives must be the driving force behind equitable prosperity in Bandung," he explained.

Farhan also conveyed a message to the newly appointed cooperative administrators and supervisors to always uphold professionalism, accountability and integrity in carrying out the organization's mandate.

"Integrity, integrity, integrity. That's what must be maintained. Because with integrity, the benefits of cooperatives will be felt in the long term and prosperity can be achieved more equitably," he said. (Bandung City Communications and Information Office/rka)