BI: 30 per cent ticket discounts become oasis during Bali's low season
Denpasar, Bali — Bank Indonesia’s Bali representative office has stated that government stimulus comprising transport ticket discounts of up to 30 per cent has become an oasis as the tourism sector enters the low-tourism season on the Island of the Gods.
“Although there is a downward effect from seasonal factors, business operators still maintain optimism regarding retail performance in the future,” said Erwin Soeriadimadja, Head of Bank Indonesia Bali, in Denpasar on Saturday.
According to him, this optimism stems from a survey conducted by the central bank amongst 100 retail business operators in Denpasar, which yielded a real sales index (IPR) of 124.3 or growing 6.4 per cent year-on-year.
Five subsectors comprise the IPR, namely information and communication equipment, clothing, automotive parts and accessories, motor vehicle fuel, and food, beverages and tobacco.
Various stimuli targeted at supporting business activities include Bank Indonesia maintaining its policy interest rate for February 2026 at 4.75 per cent.
From the fiscal perspective, the government is channelling incentives through maritime and aircraft ticket promotions to support economic activity among the population.
This is because survey results show that the fasting and Eid periods prompt domestic tourists to choose returning to their hometowns in addition to holidays in Bali.
Data from airport operator Angkasa Pura shows a 15 per cent monthly decline in domestic tourists, influenced by the Ramadan period and the mudik (homecoming) season, which impacts domestic tourist arrivals.
From the perspective of Balinese society, business operators note a tendency among residents to restrain spending as a precaution in preparing additional funds for major religious observances in March, which fall close together: the sacred Nyepi Day and Eid al-Fitr.
To this end, transport ticket discounts of up to 30 per cent offered for rail, maritime and toll road services are expected to support business performance, including retail sales.
Domestic economy-class airfares receive discounts of 17-18 per cent, whilst ferry services are completely waived.
Discounts apply during specific periods to reduce passenger congestion.
Rail ticket discounts apply from 14 to 29 March, maritime transport from 11 March to 5 April, and air transport from 14 to 29 March.
On the other hand, the sales expectations index (IEP) for the next three to six months is estimated to be positive based on the survey results.
Specifically, the IEP for March stands at 126, April reaches 170, and June-July at 184 respectively. An index above 100 indicates a level of business optimism.