"The permission for the Eid exodus this year has, indeed, become a vital opportunity to keep the economy running, especially supported by public spending and consumption," Gaus noted in a written statement here on Tuesday.
Gaus remarked that almost all regions in the country bore witness to the positive impacts of the 2022 Eid homecoming exodus. He noted that the number of people partaking in the exodus is forecast to reach over 89 million.
"If it is assumed that every homecomer spends an average of Rp1.5 million in their hometowns, it means that there is more than Rp120 trillion worth of money circulating in regions," he explained.
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The legislator expounded that the exodus caused an increase in the people's spending, such as for hotels or lodgings, culinary arts, and souvenirs sold by micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Hence, he assessed that this year's homecoming exodus presented a significant impact on economic growth, especially among MSME players in regions. The homecoming trip also supported the circulation of money in regions that is estimated to reach 75 percent of the total spending of homecomers.
"We hope this Eid holiday would improve the economy and welfare of the community in villages, as greater the circulation of money in a region, more will the economy of the village community also improve," he remarked.
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This year, for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the Indonesian government has allowed people to travel to their hometowns to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in view of the improving pandemic situation in the country.
The government has also urged people joining the homecoming exodus to complete their primary and booster vaccinations. Those not meeting the vaccination requirement are urged to show a negative COVID-19 test result.
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Translator: Imam Budilaksono, Raka Adji
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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