Indicators: Homecoming Boosts Regional Economy as Travellers Opt for Recreation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Researcher from Indikator Politik Indonesia, Hendro Prasetyo, has revealed that the 2026 Eid homecoming successfully acted as a catalyst for regional economies through the tourism and consumption sectors, with 32 per cent of homecomers opting for recreation rather than eating out. “Those engaging in recreation reached 32 per cent. This is a significant figure,” Hendro stated in the release of a public evaluation survey on the organisation of the 2026 Eid homecoming, which was attended online in Jakarta on Tuesday. Meanwhile, around 20 per cent of homecomers admitted to eating out quite frequently or very frequently, whether at stalls, eateries, or restaurants, while staying in their hometowns. “With a total of around 47 million homecomers, this figure provides a significant contribution to the local food economy sector,” he said. These findings indicate that although recreational activities are quite high, not all homecomers spend their money in the formal sector, as some bring provisions from home. The survey also noted that the majority of homecomers chose to stay at their parents’ homes or with extended families, a trend that has increased compared to the previous year, while the use of hotels remains relatively low. This phenomenon suggests that economic circulation during homecoming occurs more in the informal and community-based sectors, such as food stalls, small businesses, and local tourist destinations. Additionally, millennials and baby boomers were recorded as the segments most frequently engaging in eating out. Meanwhile, higher education and income levels correlate with increased shopping and recreational activities. “The higher the education level, the greater the tendency to shop and recreate during homecoming,” Hendro said. Overall, the combination of 32 per cent recreational activities and around 20 per cent food consumption demonstrates the substantial economic potential created during the homecoming period. “This shows that homecoming is not only a cultural and social ritual but also has a significant economic impact in the regions,” he stated. The survey was conducted from 29 March to 4 April 2026 with 1,200 respondents using multi-stage random sampling, with a margin of error of ±2.9 per cent at a 95 per cent confidence level. These findings affirm homecoming as a strategic moment that not only strengthens social ties but also drives broad regional economic growth.