RRI Sibolga Morning Sibolga Dialogue "Inflation Still Accelerating"

On Thursday (07/03/2024), 09.00-10.00 WIB, six days after the Sibolga City Central Statistics Agency (BPS) released inflation data for February 2024, RRI Sibolga invited Sibolga City BPS to participate in the Sibolga Morning Dialogue event. This dialogue was broadcast live via RRI Sibolga Pro 1 from 09.00 to 10.00 WIB. The theme raised was "Inflation Still Accelerating". The event was hosted by Host Edi Suheri with resource persons Walter Situmeang, Head of the Sibolga City BPS Price Statistics Team, and Leandro Pandapotan Marpaung, Member of the Sibolga City BPS Price Statistics Team.

The Sibolga Morning Dialogue provides information and education to RRI listeners regarding inflation in February 2024. The event began with an explanation from Walter Situmeang about the current inflation conditions in Sibolga City in February 2024, which recorded monthly inflation of 0.83% and annual inflation of 3. 06%. The main contributor to monthly inflation in February 2024 was the Food, Beverage and Tobacco group with inflation of 2.16% and a share of 0.78%. Red chilies, rice and tomatoes are the main commodities that contribute to inflation.

Furthermore, Leandro Pandapotan Marpaung explained that the Consumer Price Survey (SHK), which is the source of inflation data, is carried out every month with a weekly, bi-weekly and monthly frequency. Survey locations include traditional markets, modern markets, outlets, households, schools and universities.

Walter Situmeang also explained the impact of inflation on the community's economy, where an increase in the price of goods can burden the community, especially in terms of daily needs such as food. This can cause difficulties in meeting other needs such as education and health, which in turn can lead to problems such as dropping out of school or difficulty in getting medical care. Therefore, the government is expected to take steps to overcome inflation.

At the end of the dialogue, Leandro Pandapotan Marpaung provided the latest information on the results of field monitoring, the situation in the first week of March 2024. The data collection results recorded a decrease in the price of red chilies and several vegetables, but the price of fish was still increasing. We are also reminded to remain vigilant considering that we have entered the fasting month and are approaching Eid al-Fitr.

In closing the event, Walter Situmeang said that BPS Sibolga City in 2024 is determined to create a Work Unit Towards a Corruption Free Area (WBK). Horas, Oii Dusanak.

By LPM