Consumers Tend Towards Food and Entertainment Shopping During Ramadan

The chairman of the Association of Indonesia’s Shopping Centre Managers (APPBI), Alphonzus Widjaja, has predicted an increase in shopping centre visits during Ramadan 2026, with consumers gravitating towards food, beverages and entertainment purchases.

Widjaja forecasts that average visitation levels to shopping centres during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr this year will rise approximately 10-15 per cent compared to the previous year. Nearly all product and goods categories are expected to experience increased sales.

“Shopping patterns will change as Eid al-Fitr approaches and during the Eid holiday period, with the public tending to purchase food and beverage products as well as entertainment offerings,” he told Tempo on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

He explained that peak sales during this year’s Ramadan began from last weekend, with the highest visitation levels expected to continue through this weekend, before people undertake mudik (homecoming journeys).

Additionally, he expressed hope that stimulus and incentive programmes prepared by the government could bolster public purchasing power, particularly among lower-middle income households during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.

The government has allocated Rp 911 billion in economic stimulus funding for the 2026 Eid holiday period. The funds are designated for transport discount initiatives covering railway tickets, maritime transport and airfare.

Previously, the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, stated that religious holidays have proven to increase public mobility and tourism activity. Consequently, this economic stimulus is believed capable of boosting economic growth.