Inflation Under Control, Public Confidence Strengthens During the Holy Month
By: Nadira Citra Maheswari)*
Controlled inflation during the month of Ramadan serves as an important foundation for national economic stability while also strengthening public confidence in the government’s policy direction. Ramadan is closely associated with increased household consumption, particularly for food commodities, clothing, and goods supporting worship and social traditions. Under normal circumstances, this surge in demand has the potential to trigger price pressures. However, when inflation remains within a manageable range, it reflects effective policy coordination, smooth distribution, and adequate supply readiness across regions.
Price stability during Ramadan has a direct impact on people’s purchasing power and shapes collective perceptions of national economic resilience. Controlled inflation provides room for the public to observe religious practices peacefully, without concerns over rising basic commodity prices. This condition indicates that price control instruments are functioning optimally, ranging from strengthening food reserves and conducting market operations to supervising distribution in major trade centers.
Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia, Aida S. Budiman, stated that inflation during the Ramadan and Eid period remains under control. She emphasized that inflation management will continue to be strengthened through coordination between the Central Inflation Control Team and Regional Inflation Control Teams, all Bank Indonesia representative offices, and relevant ministries under the coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs. This statement underscores that price stability is the result of integrated cross-institutional efforts, rather than merely a seasonal factor.
Ramadan and the period leading up to Eid al-Fitr have historically been crucial phases for price stability. Demand for rice, sugar, cooking oil, meat, eggs, and horticultural commodities increases significantly. The transportation and tourism sectors also experience heightened activity in line with rising public mobility. When this surge in demand is anticipated through effective supply and distribution management, inflationary pressures can be contained. Successfully maintaining stability during this sensitive period demonstrates well-measured policy preparedness.
Public confidence is a key variable in economic dynamics. Controlled inflation contributes to positive public expectations regarding future economic conditions. Business actors gain greater certainty in planning production and distribution strategies, while consumers feel more confident in spending their income. This cycle of trust reinforces domestic consumption as the primary driver of economic growth.
At the national level, Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian stated that the year-on-year national inflation rate in January 2026 was recorded at 3.55 percent, exceeding the government’s upper target limit. However, he emphasized that the increase was not driven by rising food prices. Inflation should be viewed in a balanced manner, as Indonesia functions not only as a consumer nation but also as a producer. This perspective highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between price stability and the sustainability of the production sector.
At the regional level, inflation control is carried out through concrete measures. The Head of the Economic and Development Division of the Regional Secretariat of South Tangerang City, Ucok Siagian, stated that the South Tangerang City Government has ensured that regional inflation remains under control ahead of Ramadan 2026. Several strategic measures have been prepared to maintain price stability and the supply of essential goods. This effort demonstrates that economic stability is the result of collaboration between central and regional authorities in monitoring distribution and anticipating potential supply disruptions.
Inflation stability also has positive implications for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). During Ramadan, SMEs in the culinary sector, Muslim fashion, and transportation services experience increased demand. When raw material prices remain stable, business actors can maintain reasonable selling prices without sacrificing profit margins. This supports business sustainability while also creating seasonal employment opportunities ahead of Eid al-Fitr.
Amid global uncertainty, the ability to keep inflation under control reflects national economic resilience. Fluctuations in global energy and food prices often influence domestic prices. However, through appropriate mitigation policies, external impacts can be absorbed so they do not fully burden consumers. This resilience strengthens positive perceptions of Indonesia’s macroeconomic stability.
Strengthened public confidence during the holy month is reflected in rising consumer optimism. People tend to plan their spending more carefully when prices are relatively stable. Economic activity in both traditional markets and modern shopping centers moves more steadily. Stable expectations help prevent panic buying and speculative practices that could otherwise worsen price pressures.
Enhanced interregional coordination also plays a role in reducing price disparities. Distribution from production centers to consumption areas must run smoothly to avoid supply gaps. Improved logistics infrastructure helps maintain stability across regions, ensuring that the benefits of inflation control are felt more evenly.
The Ramadan momentum demonstrates that economic stability is not merely a statistical figure, but a tangible condition experienced by the public. Affordable prices and adequate supply create a conducive atmosphere for worship and social activities. When people directly feel the benefits of price stability, trust in economic policy increases.
With inflation remaining under control, the holy month becomes a momentum for strengthening social solidarity while reflecting national economic resilience. Price stability not only reflects policy effectiveness but also provides a sense of security for the public. In a stable economic environment, public confidence continues to grow, forming a foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth.
*) The author is a Content Writer at Galaswara Digital Bureau