Bank Indonesia Survey: Retail Sales Increased In April Along With Ramadan Momentum

JAKARTA – Bank Indonesia (BI) reported that based on a survey of April 2022 retail sales performance increased on a monthly basis. This is reflected in the Real Sales Index (IPR) which was recorded at 219.3, or growing by 6.8 percent on a monthly basis (month to month/mtm).

"The increase occurred in most groups, especially the information and communication equipment group, food, beverages and tobacco, as well as the clothing subgroup, in line with the increase in community economic activity during Ramadan and ahead of Eid al-Fitr," said Head of the BI Communications Department Erwin Haryono in a written statement, Thursday, April 12.

According to Erwin, on an annual basis, retail sales in April 2022 contracted 0.5 percent (year on year/yoy).

"This was contributed by slowing sales of food, beverages and tobacco, motor vehicle fuel, and spare parts and accessories as well as contraction in sales of other goods groups," he said.

Erwin explained that the increase in sales performance last month was driven by the easing of mobility, the sloping COVID-19 case.

Meanwhile, in terms of prices, respondents estimate that inflationary pressures in June and September 2022 (3 and 6 months) will decrease. The General Price Expectation Index (IEH) in June was recorded at 135.6, lower than the previous month's index of 141.3, in line with the expected return to normal prices after Eid.

"Meanwhile, the September IEH was 129.8, lower than the achievement in the previous month of 132.4 in line with adequate supply and smooth distribution," Erwin concluded.