Indonesian Trade Minister, Budi Santoso, announced that the total value of transactions from national shopping programs during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr in 2026 reached approximately 180 trillion rupiah. This was stated during a press conference held in Jakarta, where he emphasized the importance of these programs in enhancing the purchasing power of citizens.
The Ministry of Trade collaborated with several other ministries and agencies to implement special shopping programs, such as the Friday Mubarak program and Bina Lebaran 2026. The Friday Mubarak program achieved transactions amounting to 126 trillion rupiah by March 29, 2026, exceeding its target by 5.9%. Meanwhile, the Bina Lebaran 2026 program recorded transactions worth 54.9 trillion rupiah, surpassing its target by 2.8%.
Event Details
Budi Santoso stated that estimates indicate that transactions from the Friday Mubarak program will reach 129.115 billion rupiah by March 31, 2026, representing an increase of 8.5% over the target. This program involved 200 brands, 11 million merchants, 414 shopping centers, and 13,450 traditional markets.
The Bina Lebaran 2026 program included 800 brands, 80,000 retail outlets, and 400 shopping centers across 24 provinces, reflecting the significant efforts made to support the local economy and stimulate consumption.
Background & Context
These programs are part of the Indonesian government's efforts to boost the national economy, especially during important periods such as Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, when consumption rates significantly increase. Historically, Ramadan is considered a major trading opportunity in Indonesia, with heightened demand for food and consumer goods.
Data from the Indonesian Shopping Center Managers Association shows that the percentage of people visiting shopping centers during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr increased by 12% compared to the previous year, indicating a revival of commercial activity during this period.
Impact & Consequences
This increase in commercial transactions is a positive indicator of the recovery of the Indonesian economy, reflecting an increase in the purchasing power of citizens. Moreover, these programs are not limited to the Ramadan period; they extend to several other programs throughout the year, such as Bina Holiday and Merdeka Madness, contributing to sustainable consumption.
The Indonesian government aims to achieve long-term economic stability through these programs, as enhancing citizens' purchasing power is one of the main objectives in economic development plans.
Regional Significance
Indonesia's experience in enhancing trade during religious occasions serves as a model that many Arab countries can benefit from, as these nations also witness increased consumption during Ramadan. Arab countries can leverage the marketing and trade strategies implemented in Indonesia to boost their local economies.
In conclusion, these commercial programs in Indonesia reflect the government's efforts to strengthen the national economy and serve as a model for the Arab region in promoting consumption during religious occasions.