Smart Strategy for Managing Annual Holiday Bonus Amid Global Uncertainty: Apply the 3P Principle
Amid global geopolitical uncertainty that has triggered spikes in energy and food prices, the public is being urged to spend their annual Eid holiday bonus (Tunjangan Hari Raya, THR) more carefully.
Financial planner and Islamic Financial Literacy Ambassador for the Financial Services Authority (OJK), Rista Zwestika, emphasised the importance of caution to prevent this annual windfall from being squandered on consumptive needs.
Rista explained that dynamic global economic conditions require the public to build stronger financial resilience. As a practical guide, she introduced a simple formula called the 3P principle: Priority, Protection, and Celebration.
1. Priority: Complete Primary Obligations
The first step when THR is disbursed is to establish priorities.
According to Rista, THR funds should first be allocated to meet basic needs directly related to religious practice and Eid al-Fitr traditions.
“I usually advise people to use a simple principle, namely THR equals 3P. Priority, protection, and celebration,” said Rista.
The priority component includes payment of zakat as a religious obligation, travel costs for those planning to return to their hometowns, and family operational needs during the festive period. By securing this portion from the outset, individuals can avoid debt after Eid concludes.
2. Protection: Strengthen Emergency Funds
One crucial point often overlooked is financial protection. In an unpredictable future, maintaining cash reserves is far more valuable than following lifestyle trends.
Rista recommends setting aside part of the THR to strengthen emergency funds, particularly for those whose savings have not reached ideal levels.
“If emergency funds have not reached an ideal level with a minimum of 6-12 months’ income, then part of the THR should indeed be allocated to strengthen emergency funds, because in times of uncertainty, cash buffers are often more important than temporary lifestyle choices,” she explained.
Beyond emergency funds, she also recommends the public consider investing in low-risk assets with stable value (safe havens). Options such as gold, government securities (SBN), and mutual funds are considered suitable for protecting asset value amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
3. Celebration: Rejoice Proportionally
The final pillar of this principle is celebration. Rista stressed that enjoying the fruits of hard work through Eid al-Fitr celebrations with family remains permitted, but must be done prudently.
She cautioned that the allocation of funds for celebration consumption, such as feasts or gifts, should be managed carefully to avoid excess and remain within each person’s financial capacity.
By applying this 3P strategy, the public is expected not only to celebrate victory on Eid, but also to maintain sound financial health after the holiday period ends.