Central Bank optimistic inflation target of 6 pct to be achieved

"Until now, we are still optimistic the inflation target of 6, plus and minus 1, percent will be achieved," the director of the bank`s statistics and monetary affairs directorate, Triono Widodo, said on Friday.

Earlier in the day, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Boediono said the government-set inflation target of 6 percent for 2007 could still be achieved although the calendar inflation rate was already recorded at 5.24 percent in October.

"I think it can still be achieved if the prices of basic necessaries are stable. The important thing is that we must focus on the prices of basic necessaries," he said.

He said the biggest inflationary pressure would come from an increase in the prices of goods ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities.