Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, announced that the government is optimising National Online Shopping Day (Harbolnas) on December 12 to help boost consumer purchasing power. The event will be complemented by offline shopping days from December 26, 2024, to January 11, 2025. Hartarto noted that last year’s Harbolnas generated Rp35 trillion (US$2.2 billion), and the government aims to achieve similar sales this year.
Hartarto acknowledged the global economic challenges, with growth projected at 3.2% for both 2024 and 2025, below pre-pandemic levels. However, he highlighted that Indonesia’s economy remains strong, with a 4.95% year-on-year GDP growth in the third quarter of 2024. Inflation is also under control, standing at 1.55% year-on-year in November, which is within the government’s target range of 2.5%.
The minister assured that the government would maintain price stability and affordability, especially during the upcoming holiday season. He commended the support from various ministries, institutions, and the public for Harbolnas, emphasizing that the event would focus on supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and local industries, aiming to strengthen the domestic economy.
Data from NielsenIQ showed that Indonesian consumers are increasingly shopping, with a 1.1% year-on-year growth in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sales through the third quarter of 2024. This trend indicates that domestic consumption remains steady despite global economic pressures, helping to drive the success of Harbolnas and support local businesses.
Trade Minister Budi Santoso revealed that the government is prioritising the promotion of MSME products during Harbolnas. Specific days in December—10, 11, 13, and 16—will be dedicated to the sale of domestic goods. Santoso hopes that this year’s Harbolnas will increase transaction values by 13-16% compared to 2023, with a significant rise in the contribution of local products, further boosting Indonesia’s economy.
