Retail Sales Contracted by 1.5% in September 2021

Bank Indonesia (BI) reported a contraction in retail sales performance in September 2021. This is reflected in the Real Retail Sales Index (IPR) of 189.5 points in September 2021, down 1.5% from 192.5 points in August 2021 (month-to-month/m-to-m).

Respondents stated that the decline was due to still limited public demand. The decrease primarily stemmed from the spare parts and accessories group, which fell by 6.3% (m-to-m).

Other household goods also experienced a decrease of 7.8% (m-to-m). Furthermore, the food, beverage, and tobacco group declined by 1.7% (m-to-m).

Meanwhile, retail sales performance in the motor vehicle fuel group increased by 19.6% (m-to-m). This is in line with the easing of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) in various regions.

The clothing sub-group also saw an increase of 6.6% (m-to-m). This condition coincides with the resumption of face-to-face meetings (PTM) in several regions, particularly those implementing PPKM levels 1-3.

Compared to the same period last year (193.8 points), the IPR in September 2021 experienced a contraction of 2.2% (year-on-year/yoy). This IPR decline is not significantly different from the previous month's 2.1% (yoy).