Tomato and garlic push inflation in Tabalong

Tanjung, South Kalimantan 31/5 (AntaranewsKalsel) - The price rise of tomato and garlic has driven inflation in Tabalong District, South Kalimantan, in May 2017.

At the Regional Inflation Control Team (TPID) coordination meeting in Tanjung on Wednesday, the Tabalong representative of the Statistic Center Agency Abi Regency said tomatoes and garlic were among 10 inflation-boosting commodities in the district, while chili pepper and spinach became inflationary bearers.

Price increases has been going on since early May, especially tomatoes, garlic and spinach.

According to Abi, in April 2017 inflation in Tanjung recorded at 0.64 percent with year-on-year inflation rate of 3.32 percent.

Tabalong Secretary Abdul Muthalib Sangadji called on the related regional apparatus to monitor and innovate so that the commodity price increase in the market is not too high.

"Every time before Ramadhan and Idul Fitri price increase of some commodities is certain, but the team must be active in monitoring and controlling so that inflation is not high," explained Abdul.

The meeting was also attended by Head of Economic Development Team of Bank Indonesia Regional Office of South Kalimantan Muhammad Jon and Manager of Function of Assessment of Economy and Surveillance Yunanto W.

"In South Kalimantan, air freight and electricity tariffs are among the biggest contributors to inflation in 2017," Yunanto explained.

Furthermore, to reduce the inflation rate, several efforts should be made, such as strengthening food logistics infrastructures in the regions and building traffic data system of goods.

Yunanto revealed there are six strategic steps to control inflation agreed by the government and Bank Indonesia on January 25, 2017.

In addition to suppressing the inflation rate, it also controls the continued impact of the adjustment of public transport fares.