2021 Eid Al-Fitr Homecoming Ban And THR Pns, TNI, And Polri Will Drive The Economy Of DKI Jakarta?

JAKARTA - Chairman of the DPD Association of Indonesian Indigenous Entrepreneurs (Hippi) DKI Jakarta Sarman Simanjorang assessed the policy of banning Eid al-Fitr homecoming has the potential to excite the economy in DKI Jakarta and its surroundings.

According to him, economic conditions are starting to improve plus an increase in the number of companies that have the ability to pay holiday allowances (THR) as well as the liquidation of THR for ASN, TNI-Polri and pensioners, making people's purchasing power increase.

"Usually this money will flow to the homecoming destination, but because of the very strict homecoming ban, the money will potentially be circulated in Jakarta and surrounding areas," he said in a written statement in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Monday, May 10.

Sarman said Jakarta residents who do not return home will visit malls, hotels, restaurants, cafes, entertainment/ tourist centers such as Ancol, TMII, KB Ragunan, Monas, Kota Tua and Kepulauan Seribu and other areas around Bodetabek. It will encourage significant economic transactions that will excite the economy of Jakarta and its surroundings.

Sarman said that every year usually around 7 million people or the equivalent of 2.5 million families of Jabodetabek residents return home and pour money into the region reaching Rp10 trillion.

However, this year the family in the village only received eid money because of the ban on homecoming. To fill this year's Eid al-Fitr holiday, Jabodetabek residents will visit various relaxing places with their families and it is estimated that there will be a turnover of Rp1.25 trillion assuming per family spends at least Rp500,000 during the Eid al-Fitr holiday of 1442 H.

"It's the lowest money turnover estimate and there's a possibility above that," he said.

The turnaround will increase household consumption and boost the economic growth of DKI Jakarta and the national economy.

Bank Indonesia data mentions the circulation of money in cash during the Eid al-Fitr period 1442 throughout Indonesia is estimated at Rp152.14 trillion, an increase of 39.33 percent (yoy) compared to last year of Rp109.20 trillion.

If this money turnover is realized during the Eid al-Fitr period, it will be very effective to boost national economic growth in the second quarter of 2021 which is pegged at 7 percent, up significantly from the first quarter of 2021 which is still minus 0.74 percent.

However, Sarman who is also vice chairman of the Board of Consideration kadin DKI Jakarta is hoping that the government can prepare a task force or security officers to conduct socialization, supervision and sanctions for undisciplined visitors carrying out health protocols, especially in places that will potentially be crowded with tourists such as malls and tourist centers. It is necessary to anticipate the spread of COVID-19 during the 2021 Eid al-Fitr holiday season in DKI Jakarta and surrounding areas.

"We must make sure that after the Eid al-Fitr holiday there is no spike in the spread of COVID-19 which will be able to disrupt various business and economic activities," sarman concluded.