Research: Indonesian Citizens Unafraid of Recession, Instead Dislike Influencers Spreading Fear

In recent months, the topic of a gloomy global economy or the 2023 economic recession has been widely discussed by social media influencers. However, according to research by Continuum Data Indonesia, the majority of Indonesians are not afraid of the economic recession rumored to hit the world in 2023.

Even Indonesian economists and institutions such as Bank Indonesia, private banks, and the government say that Indonesia is relatively safe from a possible recession, and the likelihood is small, if any.

The statement that the Indonesian economy is relatively safe is also in line with economic reports from many international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the World Bank. On the other hand, some also say that Indonesia is threatened by a recession. For example, one influencer who made this issue go viral.

The widespread recession issue has naturally caused some public concern. Especially since the world (including Indonesia) has just emerged from a pandemic that temporarily stalled the economy.

Based on data collected by Continuum from October 17 to 21, 2022, there wasn't much discussion about fears related to the economic recession. Instead, many discussions contained informative content about the recession.

Many feel that Indonesia is still quite safe. Many also suggest continuing to "circulate" money to keep the economy alive, especially in the UMKM (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) sector.

Furthermore, many criticized influencers for fear-mongering, spreading fear about the recession. Only 4.31% of the public discussed fears about a recession next year.

The following are the topics of discussion among Indonesian citizens regarding the 2023 recession according to Continuum:

1. Dislike of those spreading recession fears or fear-mongering: 19.62%
2. Indonesia is safe from recession: 13.90%
3. Consumptive behavior as a way to face the recession: 7.48%
4. Fear of recession: 4.31%
5. Better to stay focused on work and effort: 4.29%
6. Don't fall for hyperbolic issues about the 2023 recession: 2.89%
7. Not very worried about the impact of the recession: 2.41%

(read: Indonesia's Economic Growth Higher Than That of Most Major Trading Partners in Q3 2022)