PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - In order to control regional inflation and ensure food price stability, the Ministry of Home Affairs (Mendagri) held a 2024 Regional Inflation Control Coordination Meeting.

This meeting involved regional heads from all over Indonesia (26/8/2024).

Deputy for Distribution and Services Statistics, Pudji Ismartini explained the development of inflation until July 2024.

During the period from January 2021 to July 2024, the transportation group recorded the highest inflation which contributed significantly to national inflation, especially in September 2022 with monthly inflation reaching 8.88 percent.

Pudji said that the adjustment of fuel prices (BBM) had become one of the main causes of inflation, with significant increases occurring in April 2022, September 2022, September 2023, and October 2023.

In the report, the development of prices of various commodities is the main focus.

Here are some recent developments:

The price of cayenne pepper increased by 10.40 percent compared to July 2024. Although there was a decrease in the number of districts/cities experiencing price increases, the price of cayenne pepper remains one of the main contributors to inflation.

Rice prices rose by 0.19 percent compared to July 2024. The increase in rice prices is still ongoing even though the number of districts/cities experiencing stable price increases.

The price of cooking oil increased by 0.33 percent compared to July 2024.

The number of districts/cities with rising cooking oil prices is increasing, indicating the need for further attention.

Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) Tomsi Tohir emphasized the importance of changing the highest retail price (HET) for cooking oil and the transition from bulk to packaged cooking oil.

"Socialization to traders and the public about this change is expected to facilitate the distribution of packaged oil, which is considered more hygienic and practical," he said.

Another effort is the Cheap Food Movement (GPM) which has been implemented 6,691 times from January to August 2024, using the APBN, APBD, and independent GPM.

“GPM aims to help people with more affordable food prices,” explained Tomsi.

For this reason, Tomsi reminded all parties to continue coordinating to face the challenges of inflation.

A follow-up meeting will be held on Thursday morning with the Director General of the Ministry of Home Affairs to discuss further steps.

"This coordination meeting is expected to increase synergy between the central and regional governments in controlling inflation and ensuring food price stability for the benefit of the community," he concluded. (Bandung City Communication and Information Service/Fauziah)