Eid al-Fitr Celebration in Indonesia: Men, Women, and the Young and Elderly Unite - Eid Prayers in Jakarta

Eid al-Fitr Celebration in Indonesia: Men, Women, and the Young and Elderly Unite - Eid Prayers in Jakarta

After the month of Ramadan, the largest religious celebration of Eid al-Fitr is being observed with a tone of sorrow rather than enthusiasm in Indonesia this year. Due to skyrocketing prices of food, clothing, and other essential goods, the people of the country are facing financial pressure and are unable to fully enjoy the joy of Eid.

Every year, nearly three-quarters of Indonesia's population returns to their villages during the holiday known as "mudik," where Eid prayers, feasts, and family reunions take place. However, this year, according to the Ministry of Transportation, the number of travelers for Eid has reached 146 million, which is a 24% decrease from last year's 194 million.

According to the Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the economic turnover during Eid is expected to be 137.97 trillion rupiahs ($8.33 billion), which is lower than last year's 157.3 trillion rupiahs. Signs of weak consumer purchasing power have become evident, as shown by Bank Indonesia's consumer confidence index, which dropped to 126.4 in February, down from 127.2 in January.

Bima Yudistira, the executive director of the Economic and Legal Research Center, stated that these trends point to the economic pressures facing the country, which have resulted from inflation, currency devaluation, and significant layoffs in the manufacturing sector. He said, "These have reduced corporate revenues and workers' incomes, which are affecting consumer spending." He also mentioned, "This year, the joy of Eid celebrations will be diminished."

However, optimistic voices are being heard from the government. Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, said, "Eid typically supports the economy by boosting spending," and he expressed hope that the momentum from Ramadan and Eid festivals will help economic growth in the first quarter of 2025.

The government has announced several incentives to stimulate economic activities, such as discounts on airfares and toll road fees, national online shopping events, direct cash assistance for 16 million families, electricity bill discounts for low-energy consumers, and tax exemptions for labor-intensive sectors.

However, despite all these initiatives, households are still facing economic pressure. For example, Andang Trisilowati, a mother of four, shared that her family has reduced expenses this Eid. "Honestly, the financial pressure is affecting us," Trisilowati said. She explained that in the past, she would prepare various dishes for Eid and invite neighbors, but this time she could only cook a simple meal for her family.