For example, e-commerce platform Bibli.com offered price cuts ranging from 5 percent to Rp 500,000 on smartphones, tablets, computers, laptops, cameras and jewelry.

It also offered discounts on other products like data packages, airplane tickets, hotel stays and the payment of Health Care and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan) premiums.

Meanwhile, Lazada offered price cuts days before 12.12 on various products like clothes, televisions, electronic goods, cosmetics and cars.

Its app showed that the most popular items purchased were female blazers of which more than 300,000 were sold. For household goods, more than 70,000 blenders were sold on Wednesday.

The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) called on people to be cautious when buying products online. 

“Complaints by online shoppers are on the rise,” said YLKI chairman Tulus Abadi, adding that most complained about how difficult it was to report faulty products that they had bought through e-commerce platforms.

The shopping festival was supported by the Trade, Industry and Communications and Information ministries to promote Indonesian products.

“People must purchase products made in this country on National Online Shopping Day,” said Communications and Information Minister Rudiantara via a video, which was broadcast on Harbolnas’ official website on Wednesday.

Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita said, “We have to support small and medium enterprise players as well as Indonesian manufacturers.”

Unlike previous events, this year’s Harbolnas was held over two days because the organizers dedicated Dec. 11 for the promotion of Indonesian products. (bbn)

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