• In March 2020, three CPI cities in Sumatera Utara deflation, namely Sibolga by 0.79 percent; Pematangsiantar by 0.12 percent; Medan by 0.19 percent, while the other two cities inflation namely, Padangsidimpuan by 0.53 percent, and Gunung Sitoli by 0.43 percent. Thus, the combined 5 CPI cities inSumatera Utara in March 2020 were deflation of 0.16 percent.
• In March 2020, Medan deflation was 0.19 percent or a decline in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from 103.09 in February 2020 to 102.89 in March 2020. Deflation occurred due to a decrease in prices indicated, namely the food, beverage, and tobacco by 0.63 percent; clothing and footwear group by 0.01 percent; and transportation by 0.52 percent. The group that experienced inflation, namely the group of equipment, equipment and routine household maintenance by 0.19 percent; information, communication and financial services group by 0.01 percent; and the personal care and other services group of 0.80 percent. While other groups did not experience changes in the index.
• The main contributors to deflation in March 2020 in Medan include red chili, cooking oil, air transport, tomatoes, cayenne pepper, long beans and green chili.
• Out of 24 CPI cities on Sumatra Island, 14 cities recorded deflation. The highest deflation in Sibolga was 0.79 percent with CPI of 103.76 and the lowest in Padang and Bengkulu was 0.02 percent with CPI of 103.54 and 103.63 respectively
