JAKARTA. The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) has predicted the national inflation rate will stay below the earlier forecast of 4, plus or minus 1, percent this year after monthly inflation rose slightly to 0.2 percent in November.

"It seems that the inflation rate might be lower than that because if it touches 4 percent, the monthly inflation in December must be 1.6 percent or 1.7 percent. If that figure is not reached, the inflation rate will not reach 4 percent," BPS Deputy Chief for Distribution and Service Statistics Sasmito Hadi Wibowo said here on Tuesday.

He said there is still a possibility of the December inflation outstripping the November inflation. But it will still be kept in check and will not be as high as what some people have imagined. It may not reach even 1 percent.

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"In general, the inflation rate in December tends to be high because of the holidays, Christmas and New Year. So far, it has been above 0.5 percent. But if we look at wholesale prices, these have risen significantly but without having any spectacular effect on retail prices. So, it is still controllable," he said.

To keep the December inflation at low level, the government and businesspeople alike should provide commodities, including foods and processed foods, at affordable prices.