Rising Plastic Prices Due to War, Inflation in Bangka Belitung Predicted to Increase

The war between the United States, Israel, and Iran is impacting the surge in prices of various types of plastic in Indonesia, including in Bangka Belitung Province (Babel). This is because the raw material of pure oil for plastic production originates from that Middle Eastern country.

If the war continues until the end of April, it is estimated to have a significant impact on Indonesia, particularly Babel. This is not only because plastic prices are soaring, but also because fuel oil (BBM) prices are expected to rise.

The Head of the Bank Indonesia Representative Office in Bangka Belitung Islands Province, Rommy S. Tamawiwy, stated that the global situation in the Middle East is indeed affecting plastic prices.

However, according to him, it has not yet had a global impact on the public.

“There is an increase, but it has not affected the prices of basic necessities,” said Rommy during the Bangka Belitung Islamic Economy and Finance (BEKISAH) event with the media. Monday (6/4).

The rise in basic necessity prices after Eid al-Fitr currently, he continued, is due to limited stock and insufficient supply. He mentioned that if the war situation in the Middle East does not subside until May, it is possible that it will impact the increase in inflation (month-to-month) in May and the Babel economy.

“Month-to-month inflation in March was 0.41 percent. If the global situation remains at war, it is estimated to impact the economy and our inflation in May, which will also increase or be higher than the previous month,” he stated.

According to him, BI will continue to strive to maintain growth by promoting policies to keep the rupiah exchange rate stable, including down to SMEs.

In addition, BI will also work together to maintain the distribution channels of basic necessities to remain stable amid the ongoing global world crisis.

He added that the impact of the war does not affect tin exports from Indonesia, particularly Babel. This is because the export destinations do not go through routes in Middle Eastern countries.

He hopes that with the BEKISAH 2026 activity, the growth of SMEs and the economy as well as Islamic finance in Babel will remain stable so that it can go global.

Plastic made from pure raw materials is sold at Rp23,000 per pack, up from the previous Rp15,000 per pack.

The increase in plastic prices in recent days has begun to be complained about by business actors and the public.