TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Businesses see tepid economic boost during this year’s Idul Fitri
The government has dismissed a suggestion that less money circulated during Idul Fitri this year compared to previous years.
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
A man looks at his phone while waiting for customers at a clothing shop in Tanah Abang Market in Jakarta on March 6, 2025. Buying new clothes is a common tradition among Muslims to celebrate Idul Fitri, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. (AFP/Bay Ismoyo)
S
hinta Kamdani, chairwoman of the Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo), has said this year’s Idul Fitri did not bring the usual surge in economic growth, despite the holiday traditionally driving a spike in spending as millions travel to their hometowns.
“There may be an increase, but it won’t be as significant as usual. [The boost] will be lower than last year,” she said on Tuesday, as quoted by bisnis.com.
She pointed to data from the Transportation Ministry showing that the number of travelers making the annual mudik (exodus) is expected to drop by 24 percent, from 193.6 million last year to just 146.5 million this year.
Still, some sectors, including transportation, hospitality, as well as food and beverages, have seen a lift in demand, though not at the usual levels. Shinta also commended the government for offering incentives, such as airfare discounts, to help stimulate spending.
“Even though it’s not as strong as in previous years, we are still making efforts to boost economic growth through promotions and sales,” she added.
Read also: Reduced holiday travel seen to slash Idul Fitri boon for regions this year
The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) previously predicted a 12.3 percent drop in money circulation during this year’s Idul Fitri holiday compared to last year’s festive season.
