PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government is facing the challenge of controlling inflation as the number of tourists coming in recent months has increased, which has resulted in increased demand for food in Bandung City, Thursday (18/6/2026).

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan stated that the surge in tourists from late 2025 to mid-2026 will have a positive impact on economic growth, particularly in the tourism, culinary, and MSME sectors, but will also drive increased demand for food.

"Bandung's tourist numbers have increased exponentially since December. Thank God, this shows our economy is moving. But the consequence is that demand for food has also increased," said Farhan at Bandung City Hall.

He explained that Bandung City, as a service and trade city, is highly dependent on food supplies from other regions, so the balance of supply and demand is a major factor in price stability.

Increased consumption from the hotel, restaurant and culinary center sectors has caused pressure on the prices of various commodities in the market which are also used by the general public.

"Restaurants buy from the same market as the public. When demand increases, prices automatically rise. The impact is felt by all residents of Bandung," he said.

Farhan said inflation control in Bandung City is focused on ensuring smooth food distribution through two main wholesale markets, Gedebage and Caringin, which supply commodities from at least 16 provinces in Indonesia.

In addition, Bulog also plays a role in maintaining the stability of the supply of rice, cooking oil, sugar, and flour in the region.

He emphasized that although distribution is still running well, the government continues to strengthen coordination with various parties, including the central government and regional suppliers, to maintain price stability.

Farhan also reminded that climate change poses an additional challenge in maintaining food availability, especially for vegetable commodities which are highly sensitive to weather.

According to him, rice stocks are still relatively safe because Bulog has sufficient reserves, including through the Food Supply and Price Stability (SPHP) program.

He explained that there are three categories of rice on the market, namely SPHP, premium, and special rice, with the greatest demand pressure occurring on premium rice.

"Statistically, rice is available. The one that often causes problems is premium rice because it's in the highest demand," he said.

Farhan also highlighted the potential for price speculation through hoarding practices that could disrupt market stability.

He emphasized that supervision of these practices would continue to be strengthened to protect the public from unreasonable price increases.

The Bandung City Government hopes that the balance between tourism sector growth and food security can be maintained through collaboration between all parties.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/bhf)