Stabilize Rice Prices and Control Inflation, This is the Bandung City Government's Strategy

This was conveyed by the Acting Mayor of Bandung, Bambang Tirtoyuliono, during a coordination meeting of the Regional Inflation Control Team (TPID) at the Bandung City Hall, Monday 13 November 2023.

Even though inflation in the city of Bandung is quite low, he still asks that the increase in prices of goods and services be reduced, so that people are not burdened.

“Inflation figures are good. "There are at least two issues that we must pay attention to, namely controlling inflation and ensuring stable prices ahead of the big day," he said.

Bambang said, to stabilize the prices of a number of commodities, there were a number of steps. These include cheap markets and the cheap food movement (GPM).

Not only that, he asked all levels who are members of the Regional Inflation Control Team (TPID) to anticipate other commodities contributing to inflation to continue to intervene.

"We must anticipate everything so that our steps are appropriate to intervene in variables contributing to inflation. "Currently we continue to intervene in food commodities, but there are other commodities that we must also intervene in," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Bandung City Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Samiran, revealed that Bandung City's month to month (MtM) inflation in October 2023 was 0.08 percent with a Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 115.54.

The inflation rate for the calendar year (October 2023) is 0.10 percent and the year-on-year inflation rate (October 2023 to October 2022) is 2.27 percent. This is the lowest inflation in West Java.

He said that rice was one of the commodities that contributed quite a lot to inflation, namely 0.57 percent.

However, with various intervention programs implemented, rice prices can be reduced and begin to stabilize from October 2023.

"Rice makes quite a big contribution. Market operations, cheap markets, cheap food also have a positive impact in curbing the rate of increase in rice prices," said Samiran.

"Rice soared quite a bit in September, the third of October slowed down. We managed to control the rate of increase in rice prices. There was a slight increase in rice in October but not as high as in September," he added.

In the same place, Head of Bulog Bandung Branch, Erwin Budiana, said that rice stocks were safely available until the end of 2023. Currently, he said, Bulog's rice stock reached 6,000 tons stored in 3 warehouses.

"Currently there are 2,700 tons in stock at the Cisaranten Kidul warehouse, 1,900 tons at the Cimindi warehouse and 1,700 tons at the Sumedang warehouse," he said.

He admitted that he had collaborated with the Bandung City Disdagin and Bandung City DKPP to hold cheap markets in 30 sub-districts as well as the Cheap Food Movement.

Erwin said that the increase in rice prices was an anomaly because supply and stock were available but prices continued to rise. However, he said that with various price control programs it is hoped that rice prices will return to normal.

"Supply is sufficient, prices continue to rise. This year is an anomaly. Rice is the main issue. We continue to coordinate with Disdagin and DKPP. In the near future we will hold cheap markets in 30 sub-districts," he said.

Meanwhile, Assistant for Economy and Development, Eric Mohamad Atthauriq, said that TPID Bandung City continues to coordinate to maintain the inflation rate.

Currently, TPID is focusing on seven strategic issues controlling inflation that will be faced by the City of Bandung, namely:

1. The price of rice, both medium and premium, is still high
2. Increase in several commodities such as large red chilies and red cayenne peppers;
3. The arrival of the rainy season;
4. Weakening of the value of the rupiah;
5. Rising banking interest rates;
6. Global geopolitical issues (Russian-Ukrainian and Israeli-Palestinian Wars);
7. Plans for Adjusting Drinking Water Tariffs (PDAM), Offstreet Parking Tariffs, and 3 Kg LPG Gas.

He said TPID would focus on 4 things to control food inflation, starting from smooth distribution, price affordability, supply availability and effective communication.

"This is motivation for us to accelerate development in the city of Bandung even more vigorously so that inflation can be controlled," he said. (rob)**

Head of the Bandung City Communication and Information Office

Yayan A. Brilyana