VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Central Bureau of Statistics recorded in Ramadan 2018, especially in May there was a decrease in the number of foreign tourist’s visit to Indonesia. In April 2018 there was 1.32 million foreign tourists visited Indonesia, meanwhile, in May 2018 the number was only 1.28 million foreign tourists or decreased 7.65 percent. According to Head of Central Bureau of Statistics, Kecuk Suhariyanto, the decrease is normal in Ramadan.

“The number of foreign tourists in May 2018 was 1.2 million. So, there was a decrease. So, we do not compare it from May 2018 to May 2017 of the fasting month. But in 2016 there was also a decreasing number of foreign tourists in the fasting month. In 2016, the fasting month was in June 2016. The number of foreign tourist was 1.2 million. The decrease in the fasting month is normal. Because in Ramadan, foreign tourists from some countries such as Malaysia, the Middle East, and Muslim countries usually do not travel a lot,” said Kecuk Suharyanto.

Suhariyanto added that if it is compared in May last year, there was 4.55 percent increase in May this year. Cumulatively, from January until May this year, the number of foreign tourist visit to Indonesia reached 6.17 million. The number increased 11.89 percent compared to the number in the same period earlier. In July-December 2018, Suhariyanto is optimistic the number of foreign tourist visit will increase significantly. Moreover, in October 2018, Bali will be the host of the International IMF and World Bank Annual Meeting. (VOI/REZHA/Trans-yati/AHM)

Central Bureau of Statistics noted inflation rate in June 2018 which was also Lebaran period the lowest compared previous years of lebaran period. This was stated by Head of Central Bureau of Statistics, Kecuk Suhariyanto in press conference in Jakarta on Monday (2/7). Suhariyanto appreciated the work hard of the government and Bank Indonesia to control price with policy. 

“How is the inflation in June 2018 if we compare with the position of Lebaran Eid ul Fitr in previous years. In June 2018, the inflation was 0.59 percent. Lebaran last year was also in June. The inflation was 0.69 percent. Meanwhile, in 2016, the Lebaran festivity was in July with the inflation reached 0.69 percent. If we compare, the inflation in June 2018 to inflation of Lebaran Eid ul Fitr festivity in previous years, this June is the lowest,” said Kecuk Suhariyanto.

Suhariyanto added that the low inflation rate on Lebaran Eid Ul Fitr 2018 period is not reflected by the low purchasing power, because the demand for food and transportation is still quite high. According to Suhariyanto, the factor which holds this year’s inflation rate is the food price. The food price is still stable compared to that of the previous years. This is the result of the government’s efforts which has anticipated the price increase on a number of commodities with rice and meat import. In addition, the monetary policy related to the interest rate issued by Bank Indonesia, is considered to give effect on low inflation rate on Eid Ul Fitr 2018 period. (VOI/REZHA/Trans-yati/AHM)

Central Bureau of Statistics recorded in June 2018 the inflation rate was 0.59 percent. With the development, the inflation rate of calendar year of January-June 2018 was recorded 1.90 percent and the year on year inflation rate is 3.12 percent.

“The monitoring result of the Central Bureau of Statistics at 82 cities showed that in June 2018 there was an inflation of 0.59 percent. So, with the figure, the inflation in June 2018 was 1.90 percent, meanwhile year on year inflation was 3.12 percent,” Head of Central Bureau of Statistics, Kecuk Suhariyanto in a press conference in Jakarta on Monday (2/7).

Furthermore, Suhariyanto added the figure is still under inflation target at 3.5 percent. June 2018 inflation occurred because of the price increase which is  indicated by the increase in all expenditure groups, namely foodstuff which was 0.88 percent; processed food, beverage, cigarette, and tobacco which was 0.40  percent; housing group, water, electricity, gas, and fuel which was 0.27 percent; transportation group, communication and financial service  which was 1.50 percent. (VOI/REZHA/Trans-yati/AHM)

Indonesia and Canada is currently facing a new challenge, such as hoax, the rise of the populist nationalist movement, economic protectionism, and uneven economic growth. This was stated by Canadian ambassador to Indonesia, Peter MacArthur in his speech on the reception of the 151st Canadian National Day on Monday (2/7) in Jakarta. MacArthur added that Canada will keep continuing international agenda which is progressive and inclusive, to foster tolerance and peace pluralism.   Close partnership with Indonesia is in line with the efforts. 

“It is with this modern, fast-growing Indonesia that we join hands in peacekeeping, defense and security –including in the struggle against global terrorism. Indonesia’s recent success in being elected to the UN Security Council gives us every confidence that our shared interests will be well represented. Indonesia’s hosting the IMF/World Bank AGM this year is a further contribution to sustainable economic development. Our countries continue to enjoy a strong trade and investment relationship- business worth billions of dollars- employing hundreds of thousands of people,” Mac Arthur said.

Furthermore Ambassador Mac Arthur explained in educational field, thenumber of Indonesian young generation who continue their studies in Canada, increased 50 percent last year. The ambassador also praised the implementation of simultaneous regional election in Indonesia which runs smoothly, peacefully and fairly. The celebration of the 151st Canadian National Day this year took a theme “the Chairmanship of Canada on G7”. Attending reception of the 151st Canada Day were Indonesian Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, Yohana Yembise and Home Affairs Minister, Tjahjo Kumolo. (VOI/SEKAR/trans-yati/AHM)