PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) noted that the economic conditions of West Java in January 2025 were relatively stable. This was revealed in the Official Statistics News released by BPS West Java, Monday (3/2/2025).

West Java Regional Secretary Herman Suryatman, who was present at the release, said that although in general the West Java economy in the past month has been relatively stable, there are several sectors that are trending downward and must be watched out for.

"We just followed the statistical release for January 2025. In general, West Java's economy in the last month was relatively stable, but it must be anticipated because there are several less than good trends," said Herman.

On that occasion, BPS Jabar released developments in five economic sectors, including the development of the Consumer Price Index (IHG), farmer exchange rates, exports-imports, tourism, and transportation.

Regarding the Consumer Price Index, Herman revealed that in January 2025, West Java inflation fell to -0.68 percent. According to him, this is not very good because inflation should be stable or not too high and not too low.

"Our inflation has dropped to -0.68 percent, the contribution is from the housing, water, and electricity sectors. However, we know that inflation must be stable, not too high and not too low," he said.

Meanwhile, for the farmer's exchange rate, its value in January 2025 increased to 114.17 from the previous month's 111.71. This means that the farmer's bargaining position is relatively better.

"If this is encouraging, namely in January the farmer's exchange rate increased by 114.17 from the previous month of 111.71. We must continue to improve this so that our farmers are empowered so that the contribution of the agricultural sector to GRDP increases sharply," said Herman.

The economic condition of West Java in the tourism sector, foreign tourist visits in January 2025 decreased to 337 visits. Whereas the previous month it reached 735 visits.

"However, domestic tourists have increased from 13.6 million to 17.3 million visits," said Herman.

Increases also occurred in the passenger transportation sector, especially domestic air and rail transportation.

According to Herman, this was influenced by the existence of the Jakarta-Bandung fast train.

"This is also the impact of Whoosh. However, for goods transportation, we need to be vigilant because there is a decline, especially for sea transportation," he said.

"So the conclusion is that the West Java economy in the last month has been relatively stable, but there are many things to be wary of," added Herman.

Trade balance surplus

Head of BPS West Java Darwis Sitorus added that the trade balance in West Java experienced a surplus of 1.98 billion US dollars in December 2024.

The export value reached 3.15 billion US dollars, while the import value reached 1.17 billion US dollars.

"The trade balance surplus in December 2024 is lower when compared to the trade balance in November 2024. However, when compared to December 2023, the surplus value is still higher," explained Darwis.

It was stated that exports in December 2024 reached 3.15 billion US dollars, down 1.96 percent from 3.21 billion US dollars in November 2024. The decline was due to a 2.41 percent decline in the non-oil and gas group.

Year on year, the export value increased by 9.56 percent compared to December 2023 of 2.87 billion US dollars, due to an increase in the non-oil and gas group of 10.40 percent.