This is Citizen Opinion Regarding the Challenges of Boycotting Products

According to a Jakpat survey, approximately 44.9% of Indonesian respondents reported boycotting products perceived to be affiliated with Israel. However, these respondents acknowledged several challenges and difficulties in maintaining this boycott.

Sixty-seven percent of respondents cited avoiding products they regularly use or consume as the primary challenge in boycotting pro-Israel products.

Furthermore, 44% of respondents admitted to already owning items from boycotted brands. Another 39% stated that the numerous discounts and promotions on these products hindered their boycott efforts.

Thirty-six percent of respondents reported difficulty boycotting due to a lack of alternative products. Nineteen percent said they faced criticism from others for using these products.

Eighteen percent of respondents found it difficult to boycott because the restaurants or stores selling these brands were located very close to their homes.

This online survey was conducted via the Jakpat application from February 19-20, 2024, involving 577 out of 1,285 national respondents. The sample comprised 53% male and 47% female respondents. The margin of error is approximately 5%.

The majority of respondents resided on the island of Java (49%), followed by DKI Jakarta (39%), and other islands outside Java (12%).

Respondents were predominantly young, with Gen Z (35%) and Millennials (46%) making up the largest groups. Occupationally, the largest group were employees (22%), followed by freelancers (18%) and students (17%).

The Israeli attacks on Palestine have resulted in numerous casualties, leading to a surge in global boycott movements over the past three months. This movement targets products from various brands suspected of supporting and being affiliated with Israel.

In Indonesia, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) issued Fatwa Number 83 of 2023 concerning the legal ruling on supporting Palestine.

The Head of the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) stated that the circulation of these products is not prohibited, but rather the act of purchasing them. Therefore, the public is urged not to buy products that support Israel's aggression against Palestine.