"We are optimistic inflation would not be higher than 8.5 percent despite pressure of rising prices in December," Deputy Trade Minister Bayu Krisnamurth said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The trade ministry predicted the countrys inflation could be kept at around 8.5 percent this year despite rising prices ahead of Christmas and new year.

"We are optimistic inflation would not be higher than 8.5 percent despite pressure of rising prices in December," deputy trade minister Bayu Krisnamurthi told reporters here on Wednesday.

Bayu said inflation of only 0.09 percent month-to-month in October is expected to reduce cumulative inflationary pressure this year.

"The year-on-year inflation of 8.5 percent is not bad given the many pressures such as oil fuel price hikes and falling value of rupiah," he said.

The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) announced earlier in the day inflation month to month in October was 0.09 percent lower than the same period in previous years.

In 2008, inflation in October was 0.45 percent, in 2009 it was 0.19 percent, in 2010 it was 0.06 percent , in 2011 it was 0.12 percent and in 2012 it was 0.16 percent.

The inflation in October brought the total inflation to 7.66 percent in the first 10 months of the year, BPS chief Suryamin said here on Wednesday.

Year-on-year inflation in October was 8.32 percent, Suryamin said.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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