Government Relies on Discounts and WFA to Boost Eid Economy
Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto stated that various government programmes, such as discounts, flexible work policies (work from anywhere/WFA), and social assistance, can boost national economic activity.
He conveyed this during an open house event celebrating Eid al-Fitr 2026 at his residence in the Widya Chandra area, Jakarta, on Saturday (21/3/2026). “We fast for 30 days and the meaning of this victory is also related to the economy. The government has created many programmes, including discounts, then encouraging mobility through work from anywhere, and various programmes including food assistance and social assistance,” said Airlangga.
He hopes that these various programmes can increase public mobility and consumption, thereby impacting economic growth. “And we hope that with this victory momentum, we can achieve economic growth in the first quarter of 5.5 per cent,” he stated.
Previously, the government rolled out several incentives to encourage public mobility during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2026, one of which was through price cuts in the transportation sector and toll road tariffs.
The programme includes travel cost relief on various modes, such as aircraft, trains, sea transport, and land transportation, to facilitate the public in undertaking the homecoming journey.
The government is providing discounts on train tickets and sea transport of up to around 30 per cent each, exemption from crossing service fees, and aircraft ticket price cuts in the range of 17 to 18 per cent. The total budget requirement for the transportation incentive programme is estimated to exceed Rp 900 billion, sourced from the state budget (APBN) and non-APBN support.
In addition to travel incentives, the government is also distributing food assistance to tens of millions of beneficiary families as part of efforts to maintain public purchasing power during that period. The assistance consists of staple needs packages, including rice and cooking oil, distributed for a two-month period to more than 35 million families.
On the same occasion, Airlangga also extended Eid al-Fitr greetings to the public while reminding the need for vigilance against potential global turbulence, particularly related to oil prices. “Happy Eid al-Fitr, forgiveness for all born and inner. In this atmosphere, of course we hope to face the upcoming oil crisis turbulence together,” he said.
At the event, several figures and officials were present, such as the President Director of PT Freeport Indonesia Tony Wenas, General Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (Kadin) Anindya Novyan Bakrie, industrial figure Ilham Habibie, several Golkar Party cadres, and members of the Executive Board of the Indonesian Wushu Association.