Hippindo stresses importance of modern retail adapting to technology
The Indonesian Shopping Centre Tenants Association (Hippindo) has stressed the importance of modern retail players adapting to technological trends that are influencing current consumer shopping behaviour.
“Regarding modern retail, Hippindo is very concerned that technology has advanced so much that selling methods must change,” said Hippindo Chairman Budihardjo Iduansjah at the opening of the Indonesia Retail Summit and Expo (IRSE) 2026 in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Budihardjo gave the example of how electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly attractive to consumers because they offer added value and convenience accompanied by the latest technology.
Therefore, he continued, modern retail also needs to embrace the role of technology to boost public appeal and consumption.
“Offline retail must change; otherwise, like conventional cars, we will be left behind,” he said.
In addition to encouraging modern retail players to remain adaptive, Budihardjo also called on all stakeholders to support economic stability amid increasingly challenging global conditions.
“We hope for government support so that the economy remains stable and politics certainly remains stable. We will strive to create jobs, open more stores, distribute goods, ensure prices remain stable and all stock is available. For that, we need cooperation with all stakeholders,” he said.
Meanwhile, IRSE 2026 officially runs until Thursday (27/8/2026) under the theme “Rethinking Retail: The Future is Customer-Led”.
IRSE 2026 Chairman and Hippindo Secretary General Haryanto Pratantara said the theme was chosen to remind everyone that all business innovation must start from customer needs.
Haryanto said IRSE 2026 serves as an annual strategic forum bringing together the government, retail businesses, shopping centres, brand owners, MSMEs, investors, academics, technology providers, business associations and industry practitioners.
“IRSE is not only a conference and exhibition event, but also a collaborative space to strengthen Indonesia’s trade ecosystem through knowledge sharing, policy discussions, innovation adoption, business networking and the formulation of a national retail industry development roadmap,” he said.