March 2021, 0.03 Percent Deflation Field

• In March 2021, all CPI cities in North Sumatra had deflation, namely Sibolga by 0.29 percent; Pematangsiantar by 0.23 percent; Medan by 0.03 percent; Padangsidimpuan by 0.57 percent; and Gunung Sitoli with 0.54 percent. Thus, the combined 5 CPI cities in North Sumatra in March 2021 deflation of 0.08 percent. • In March 2021, Medan recorded a deflation of 0.03 percent or a decrease in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from 104.21 in February 2021 to 104.18 in March 2021. Deflation occurred due to a decrease in prices indicated, namely the food, beverage group and tobacco 0.27 percent; and the information, communication and financial services group of 0.21 percent. The expenditure group that experienced an increase in index were the clothing and footwear group by 0.31 percent; equipment, tools, and household routine maintenance group by 0.04 percent; the health group of 0.18 percent; the transportation group by 0.01 percent; the food and beverage / restaurant supply group by 0.58 percent; and personal care and other services group by 0.05 percent. Three other groups that did not experience changes in the index, namely the housing, water, electricity, and household fuels group; recreational, sports, and cultural groups; education group. • The main commodities contributing to deflation during March 2021 in Medan include chicken meat, bird's eye chilies, eggs, coconut, gold jewelry, and air transport. • Of the 24 CPI cities on the island of Sumatra, 17 cities recorded deflation. The highest deflation was in Meulaboh and Padangsidimpuan at 0.57 percent with a CPI of 108.37 and 106.58, respectively. Meanwhile, the lowest deflation was in Batam at 0.02 percent with the CPI of 104.73.