Government Claims Food Prices Remain Stable During Ramadan

Jakarta — The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded a Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation of 0.68% in February 2026. This inflation was driven by a spike in food prices during the Ramadan period. On a calendar year basis, inflation stood at 0.53%.

Year-on-year inflation for February 2026 was recorded at 4.76%.

Febrio Kacaribu, Director General of Economic Strategy and Fiscal Affairs at the Ministry of Finance, stated that the increase in February 2026 inflation was primarily influenced by the electricity discount policy implemented in early 2025. Consequently, on an annual basis, inflation for this period appears higher.

“Excluding the impact of the electricity discount in early 2025, February 2026 inflation is estimated at 2.59%,” Febrio said in an official statement on Monday (2 March 2026).

Based on its components, government-regulated price inflation in February 2026 reached 12.66% year-on-year. Meanwhile, volatile food prices increased by 4.64%, driven by weather disturbances and demand pressure ahead of Ramadan.

Rice inflation stood at 3.5%. Several other food commodities such as granulated sugar, bird’s eye chilli, garlic and red chilli experienced deflation. Core inflation was recorded at 2.63% year-on-year, primarily driven by an increase in jewellery gold prices of 72.95% year-on-year. “Excluding the impact of gold, core inflation in February 2026 is estimated at 1.4%,” he said.

Febrio assessed that price pressures remain under control and are expected to normalise from March 2026.

“The government is committed to ensuring food prices remain affordable during the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr periods through strengthened supply, smooth distribution, and price monitoring, including through the Cheap Food Movement programme and facilitation of inter-regional distribution,” he said.