JAKARTA: Indonesian consumers are upbeat heading into the new year thanks to rising optimism about the near-term outlook, and retail sales are far stronger than a year ago, according to preliminary data.
Survey results published by Bank Indonesia (BI) on Tuesday showed the retail sales index (RSI) dipping to 228.3 points in January from 229.8 points in December, marking a 0.6% contraction when compared with the preceding month, which had benefitted from the seasonal holiday spending boost.
The index was up a strong 7.9% year-on-year (y-o-y), however, jumping from 211.5 points logged in January 2025.
The monthly contraction was also far less intense than last year, when the RSI dipped by 4.7% month-on-month heading into January.
BI spokesman Ramdan Denny Prakoso said in a statement released together with the data that the growth was “primarily supported” by increased sales in cultural and recreational goods, as well as food, beverages and tobacco, alongside clothing.
The central bank had initially projected an RSI reading of 231.7 points for December, but that figure was revised down by 0.8%.
Sales of information and communication devices, such as mobile phones, were still projected to be deep in contraction in January, as has been the case for the last two years, while sales of any other goods were projected to be in positive territory.
Sales of clothing were projected to grow by 8% y-o-y in January after four months of sustained contraction.
The strongest growth was seen in sales of cultural and recreational goods with a 15.5% y-o-y increase, followed by spare parts and accessories with 11.9% and food, beverages and tobacco with 9.7%. — The Jakarta Post/ANN
