Shopping Malls Suddenly Quiet Ahead of Eid Al-Fitr, Business Leaders Explain

Jakarta — Shopping mall operators have clarified the conditions facing shopping centres ahead of Eid Al-Fitr 1447 H in 2026.

Alphonzus Widjaja, chairman of the Indonesian Shopping Centre Operators Association (APPBI), stated that sales at shopping malls several days before Eid tend to be quiet as the public undertakes mudik (the traditional mass migration to hometowns). However, after Eid, mall conditions are expected to normalise and even increase beyond usual levels.

“Starting today, sales will moderate somewhat and visitor levels to shopping centres will rebound during the Eid holidays, particularly beginning on the second day of Eid after the public has celebrated and gathered with family, relatives, and others,” Alphonzus told CNBC Indonesia on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.

Alphonzus noted that mall occupancy and sales during Ramadan this year have been reasonably strong. The peak of sales during Ramadan 2026 occurred last week, driven by increased restaurant bookings at malls due to joint breaking-of-fast events.

“The peak of sales during Ramadan 2026 occurred last weekend and also the weekend before, prior to the public’s mudik journey,” he continued.

He explained that during Ramadan, nearly all product categories experienced increased sales. However, during Eid, shopping patterns will change, with the public tending to purchase food and beverages as well as entertainment.

“Nearly all product categories and goods experience increased sales throughout Ramadan. Shopping patterns will shift as Eid approaches and during the Eid holiday period, when the public tends to purchase food and beverages as well as entertainment,” he stated.

He projected that visitor numbers to malls during Ramadan and Eid this year will increase by 10 to 15 per cent compared with the previous year.

“It is estimated that average visitor numbers to shopping centres in the period leading up to and during Ramadan and Eid will rise approximately 10 to 15 per cent compared with the previous year,” he added.