BI: Bengkulu economy to rise 4.4 to 5.2 percent in Q1 2025

Bank Indonesia (BI) Bengkulu Representative Office Head Wahyu Yuwana Hidayat conveyed that BI Bengkulu predicted Bengkulu Province's economic growth in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025 will be in the 4.4 to 5.2 percent range. The information was revealed at a press conference in Bengkulu City, Bengkulu on Feb. 7, 2025.

"The increase was driven by community mobility ahead of the peak of Ramadan 1446 After Hegira (AH), as well as the rice and horticulture harvests that can boost purchasing power," he explained.

On the other hand, Wahyu said that the Bengkulu City Government's expenditure performance is expected to decline due to the in-progress realization of the city's regional budget for Q1 2025. In addition, public consumption is also expected increase thanks to the 6.5 percent rise in Bengkulu's provincial minimum wage (UMP).

Meanwhile, exports in Bengkulu, especially coal exports, are forecasted to be slightly disrupted due to price fluctuations. Moreover, the shallowing of Baai Island Port also resulted in expensive shipping costs.

The expected increased economic growth rate for Bengkulu is also supported by improvements in the price of oil palm commodities and its derived products, as well as the start of palm oil production of from replanted oil palm.