Businessman Reveals 'Disaster' for Mall Business After Eid

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Mall businessmen have expressed concerns following Eid al-Fitr 1447 H or 2026.

Alphonzus Widjaja, Chairman of the Indonesian Mall Managers Association (APPBI), stated that malls will face a low season or quiet period after the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holidays, a situation that occurs every year.

“As usual, the retail sales trend in Indonesia will enter a low season after Eid al-Fitr, including in shopping centres,” Alphonzus said when contacted by CNBC Indonesia on Monday (30/3/2026).

He added that the second and third quarters of this year will be a long low season because special days are spaced far apart, potentially leading to deeper pressures.

“In 2026, the second and third quarters will be a long low season and potentially face deeper pressures for malls,” he continued.

He even described the pressure as potentially increasing due to the conflict in the Middle East.

“The pressure could also be deeper due to the impact of the war in the Middle East, making the second and third quarters a long and deep low season,” he explained.

Therefore, he asked the government to prioritise domestic trade to reduce or minimise the impact of dependence on global situations and conditions, one of which is intensifying domestic spending and using domestic products.

“The government must prioritise domestic trade to reduce or minimise the impact of dependence on global situations and conditions,” he said.

Alphonzus suggested that the government also implement various stimulus programmes or incentives, in addition to work-from-home (WFH) policies, so that economic growth during the low season can be maintained.

“To keep economic growth during the low season stable, the WFH programme should be accompanied by various stimulus programmes or incentives, especially to boost domestic consumption, which is also an effort to minimise dependence on uncertain global situations and conditions,” he explained.