People Have To Spend THR Until It 'goes Crazy', PKS Faction: Availability Of Goods Must Be Adequate

JAKARTA - Member of Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives of PKS fraction Mahfudz Abdurrahman reminded various related parties to take advantage of the moment of Eid, where people often spend more of their money, as a momentum to help restore the economy.

"We must maximize the momentum of fasting and Eid this year as a moment for economic recovery, marked by increased buying and selling activities in the community", Mahfudz Abdurrahman said in a written statement in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Monday, April 26.

According to him, soon the majority of people in Indonesia will spend their money on buying goods and services, in preparation for Eid Al-Fitr 2021.

For this reason, he said, this annual momentum must be used as a spur and trigger for the recovery of the domestic economy. The government must also be able to maintain the supply and demand of all types of goods.

"Providing the widest possible opportunity for the community to spend their money at an affordable price and adequate availability is a must. The supervisory function of related parties must really work", he explained.

Mahfudz appreciates the government's attitude with the policy of accelerating the disbursement of the 13th salary and the THR (holiday allowance) so that it is hoped that people will be more flexible in spending their money, and it is hoped that it will automatically have a significant impact in encouraging an increase in economic movement to a better condition.

Previously, the Indonesian Food and Beverage Entrepreneurs Association (Gapmmi) hoped that there would be a recovery in the food and beverage industry sector during the momentum of Ramadan and Eid this year.

Sales of food and drinks normally increase by around 30 percent during Ramadan and Eid. Several categories of food for breaking the fast and during the holidays even increased by 100 percent.

"Last year there was no increase or even decrease. We hope this does not happen in 2021, because if the two years continue like this it will be quite difficult," said Chairman of Gapmmi Adhi S Lukman in a virtual dialogue "Food Availability Ahead of Ramadan and Eid", Monday, April 12.

Adhi said that at this time the signs of recovery were starting to appear. This is shown in the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for Indonesian manufacturing, which in March 2021 recorded the highest position at 53.2.

According to him, compared to last year's 28, this achievement has boosted optimism to accelerate economic recovery.

He added that last year's retail growth also fell, whereas, in the second quarter, which coincided with the peak of Lebaran, this should be the peak momentum for sales of food and beverage products. However, starting from 2021, the recovery is considered to be beginning to be felt, both from the improvement in PMI and starting to increase in retail demand.

"Starting last January, many retailers have asked for stocks to be sent to prepare for fasting and Eid, as well as traditional markets. We see that there is hope in 2021", he said.