2015 SUSENAS Results: Cigarette Spending Outpaces Rice Spending

The 2015 Socioeconomic Survey reveals that household spending on cigarettes exceeded spending on rice. A September 2015 survey by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) indicates that per capita monthly expenditure on cigarettes reached Rp 64,769, representing 6.79% of total expenditure. Per capita spending on rice was almost identical at Rp 64,759, also 6.79%.

This percentage of spending on food and cigarettes is the second highest after spending on food and beverages. The high expenditure on ready-to-eat food and beverages compared to other commodities reflects a shift in consumption patterns from home-cooked meals to purchased food. According to the BPS survey, this indicates a change towards a more convenient lifestyle.

Average per capita monthly expenditure on ready-to-eat food and beverages was recorded at Rp 154,000. Meanwhile, spending on other items such as eggs, milk, and vegetables totaled only Rp 58,000 per capita per month.