JAKARTA - The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded an increase in inflation at 5.47% in February 2023 compared to February 2022 at 2.06% (year on year). However, on a monthly basis (month to month), last month's inflation was recorded at 0.16%, lower than January 2023 at 0.34%.

Based on BPS data quoted on Thursday (2/3), the commodities that contributed the most to inflation included gasoline, household fuel, kretek cigarettes, air freight rates, drinking water tariffs for Regional Water Supply Companies (PDAMs), and inner city transportation rates.

Inflation pressure by the price component is set by the government in February 2023, which is 12.24%. This record is still high, although it is sloping compared to January 2022 at 12.28%.

Inflation in January 2023 was at 5.28% higher than January 2022 of 2.18% during the COVID-19 pandemic. The inflation trail rose above 5% starting from September 2021 at 5.95%. (LK/LM)