However, analysts argue it may be difficult for crude oil to climb significantly beyond the USD $50 per barrel level given the rising price may encourage North American producers to boost their shale oil output. Market players are now awaiting next week's Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meeting in Vienna to learn whether the involved oil producing states will decide to support prices. However, a production freeze is not likely given Iran, which returned to the world markets in January 2016 after Western-imposed sanctions were lifted, is reluctant to cut crude output.

Bank Indonesia Governor Agus Martowardojo regards the rising oil price trend as an indicator that the global economic conditions are improving. An improving global economy will also have a positive impact on emerging markets, including Indonesia.

Federal Reserve's Monetary Policy

Another 'storm' that seems to have blown over is the June US Federal Reserve interest rate hike issue. After the Federal Reserve's hawkish April minutes were released on 18 May, many market players believed that the Fed would announce another Fed Funds Rate hike in June. This immediately triggered a storm on the international financial markets with emerging markets being the main victims of capital outflows. The Indonesian rupiah, for example, depreciated 2.2 percent to IDR 13,587 per US dollar between 17-27 May.

Indonesian Rupiah versus US Dollar (JISDOR):

| Source: Bank Indonesia

However, as we approach the end of May markets have somewhat calmed about the possibility of a June Fed rate hike. Past Friday Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen stated that the Federal Reserve should raise interest rates in the coming months provided the economy picks up in line with expectations and jobs continue to be generated. Most analysts now believe that an interest rate hike will be concluded at the Fed's July policy meeting (26-27 July). The probability of a July US rate hike rose to 60 percent, nearly double the estimate from one month ago.

After the US central bank raised its key interest rate in December 2015 - the first US interest rate hike in almost a decade - it has held off from another rate hike due to concern about sluggish global economic growth and financial market volatility.

Britain & European Union: Brexit?

Bank Indonesia Governor Martowardojo also sees shrinking chances of Britain exiting the European Union, the so-called 'Brexit' (UK voters will head to the polls on 23 June 2016 to vote in a referendum whether or not to leave the EU). This has resulted in easing pressures on the pound sterling over the past couple of days, implying that turmoil on the international money markets has also somewhat subsided. Most analysts agree a Brexit would hurt Britain's GDP and household income.

Indonesia's May Inflation

Regarding Indonesia's May inflation rate, Martowardojo said a central bank survey shows that monthly inflation stood at 0.19 percent up to the fourth week of May, or 3.3 percent on an annual basis (from 3.60 percent y/y in April 2016). Easing inflation in Indonesia is supported by controlled food prices (chilies, rice, onions and beef). However, prices of chicken meat have risen ahead of the Ramadan and Idul Fitri celebrations (June-July) that always cause additional inflationary pressures in Southeast Asia's largest economy. Bank Indonesia remains optimistic that its full-year inflation target (3 - 5 percent y/y) will be achieved.

Inflation in Indonesia:

Month  Monthly Growth
          2013
 Monthly Growth
          2014
 Monthly Growth
          2015
 Monthly Growth
          2016
January          1.03%          1.07%         -0.24%          0.51%
February          0.75%          0.26%         -0.36%         -0.09%
March          0.63%          0.08%          0.17%          0.19%
April         -0.10%         -0.02%          0.36%         -0.45%
May         -0.03%          0.16%          0.50%
June          1.03%          0.43%          0.54%
July          3.29%          0.93%          0.93%
August          1.12%          0.47%          0.39%
September         -0.35%          0.27%         -0.05%
October          0.09%          0.47%         -0.08%
November          0.12%          1.50%          0.21%
December          0.55%          2.46%          0.96%
Total          8.38%          8.36%          3.35%

Source: Statistics Indonesia (BPS)

Inflation in Indonesia and Central Bank Target 2008-2015:

   2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015
Inflation
(annual percent change)
  9.8   4.8   5.1   5.4   4.3   8.4   8.4   3.4
Bank Indonesia Target
(annual percent change)
  5.0   4.5   5.0   5.0   4.5   4.5   4.5   4.0

Source: Bank Indonesia

Bahas