Indonesia consumer confidence index grows in Sept

JAKARTA, Oct 8 (Reuters) - Consumers in Southeast Asia'sbiggest economy were more confident in September due to risingoptimism on jobs and pay, a central bank survey showed onMonday.

Bank Indonesia's September consumer confidence index roseslightly to 117.7, from 115.7 a month earlier.

Improvements to infrastructure and ease in obtaining bankloans also boosted consumer expectations on the economy.

SEP AUG JULConsumer confidence index 117.7 115.7 113.5Present situation index 110.2 107.1 105.0Expectation index 125.3 124.3 122.0CONTEXT:

The central bank surveys some 4,600 households in 18 citiesacross Indonesia, where domestic consumption accounts for about55 percent of the economy.

A reading above 100 shows that consumers in general areoptimistic

Respondents expect increasing consumption ahead of Christmasand New Year will fuel price pressures in the next three months,while prices six months ahead will be affected by planned hikesin electricity tariffs.

Annual inflation slowed in September to 4.31 percent, from4.58 percent in August, as food prices eased after the Eidal-Fitr Muslim festival in August.

(Reporting by Rieka Rahadiana; Editing by Neil Chatterjee)

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Keywords: INDONESIA ECONOMY/CONSUMER