Govt optimizes online shopping day to boost people's purchasing power

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that the government is optimizing National Online Shopping Day, dubbed Harbolnas, on December 12 to boost consumer purchasing power.

"We are launching National Online Shopping Day alongside offline shopping days from December 26, 2024, to January 11, 2025. Last year's Harbolnas generated Rp35 trillion (US$2.2 billion), and we aim to achieve the same figure this year," he noted on Friday (December 6).

He emphasized that the world continues to face several economic challenges.

According to Hartarto, global growth is projected to be 3.2 percent in both 2024 and 2025, below pre-pandemic growth levels.

Despite the uncertainty, the Indonesian economy is still considered solid, as reflected in the growth of the gross domestic product (GDP) in the third quarter of 2024 of 4.95 percent (year on year/yoy) or 5.03 percent (cumulative-to-cumulative/ctc).

Meanwhile, inflation remains under control within the target range. In November 2024, inflation was recorded at 1.55 percent (yoy), maintained in the range of 2.5 percent, give or take one percent.

He made assurance that the government would continue to maintain price stability and affordability, especially ahead of the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

Regarding Harbolnas, Hartarto lauded the ministries and institutions, associations, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and the community for enthusiastically supporting the program, which focuses on MSMEs and domestic industries.

"Data from NielsenIQ showed that our people are increasingly fond of shopping. The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) products until the third quarter (Q3) still grew 1.1 percent year-on-year. Hence, domestic consumption is still growing," he remarked.

Meanwhile, Trade Minister Budi Santoso affirmed that the government is keen to encourage the momentum of sales of MSMEs products during the 2024 Harbolnas.

Hence, the government also dedicates December 10,11, 13, and 16 to the sale and promotion of domestic products.

He expressed hope that this year's Harbolnas would increase the transaction value by 13-16 percent compared to total transactions in 2023, with a notable rise in the contribution of local product transactions during the 2024 event.