TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto has introduced a series of economic stimulus policies ahead of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Nyepi in 2025. These initiatives are expected to boost consumer purchasing power and drive national economic growth.
“With these policies, we hope Indonesia’s economy remains stable and continues to grow, allowing people to celebrate Eid in a more prosperous manner,” said Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto in a post on his official Instagram account @airlanggahartarto_official on Saturday, March 8, 2025.
He added that the government will closely monitor consumer spending and increased mobility during Nyepi and Eid 2025 to help drive economic growth in the first quarter of 2025.
So, what are the key economic stimulus policies being introduced?
The government aims to maximize the distribution of social assistance (bansos), including the Family Hope Program (PKH), the Staple Food Card or Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT), and the absorption of unhusked rice and rice from farmers.
A budget of Rp150 trillion has been allocated for the first-phase disbursement of PKH in 2025. This assistance will be distributed through PT Pos Indonesia (Persero) and state-owned banks (Himbara) to ensure targeted delivery and support lower-middle-class purchasing power.
Additionally, the government has allocated Rp16.6 trillion to the National Logistics Agency (Perum Bulog) to purchase 3 million tons of rice by April 2025. This initiative aims to stabilize rice prices, secure national food reserves, and support food aid distribution.
The government will subsidize 6% of Value-Added Tax (VAT) on domestic economy-class flight tickets, potentially reducing airfare prices by 13.2% to 14%. This discount will be valid from March 25 to April 7, 2025.
To ease travel costs during the Eid homecoming period, the government is offering a 20% discount on long-distance toll road fares. This initiative aims to lower transportation expenses and facilitate the smooth distribution of goods and services.
As Ramadan 2025 approaches, the government has rolled out several shopping discount programs to encourage consumer spending. One of these is the Friday Mubarak Program, which runs from February 28 to March 28, 2025.
Offered at retail stores under the Indonesian Retail Entrepreneurs Association (Aprindo), this initiative is projected to generate transactions ranging from Rp75 trillion to Rp77 trillion.
In addition, the government is launching the Shop in Indonesia Only (Bina) Lebaran Program, set to take place from March 14 to 30, 2025.
This program will be held simultaneously across shopping centers, malls, and stores associated with the Indonesian Shopping Center Retailers and Tenants Association (Hippindo) and the Indonesian Shopping Center Management Association (APPBI). The government aims for this initiative to drive transactions worth up to Rp 30 trillion.
To further stimulate economic activity during Ramadan, other initiatives such as Ramadan Bazaars, Night Markets, and Online Shopping for Local Products will also be organized.
In the tourism sector, the government plans to integrate homecoming (mudik) with tourism programs. This initiative includes promoting local travel destinations, offering affordable tourism packages, and improving facilities along major travel routes.
To maintain stable food prices during Ramadan and Eid, the government and state-owned enterprises (BUMN) will conduct nationwide affordable market operations. These will take place from February 24 to March 29, 2025, through Pos Indonesia to ensure broad accessibility.
The government has set a target to disburse Eid allowance (THR) for civil servants (ASN), government employees (PNS, PPPK), and private sector workers:
- For civil servants, THR payments will be made at least three weeks before Eid, with an allocated budget of Rp50 trillion.
- For private sector employees, THR payments should be disbursed no later than one week before Eid.
These economic stimulus measures are designed to strengthen consumer confidence, enhance economic activity, and ensure a smooth festive season for all Indonesians.
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