"The 2023 ISF is also aimed at improving the performance of tourism and creative economy sectors and boosting retail sales by prioritizing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)," Uno noted in a statement received here on Wednesday.
Furthermore, the minister remarked that the festival will be held on August 10-20, with a special focus on developing and exploring the potential of the country's culture and culinary arts.
Chairperson of the Indonesian Shopping Center Association (APPBI), Alphonzus Widjaja, elaborated that the annual festival will involve a series of activities aimed at promoting various products while welcoming the 78th anniversary of the Independence Day of Indonesia.
"Last year, we targeted 65 million people visiting 400 shopping centers across Indonesia within a 10-day period. In this year's edition, we increased the target by 15 percent, eyeing 75 million visitors," he pointed out.
He further noted that the total value of transactions during last year's edition of ISF had hit Rp19.5 trillion (US$1.28 billion), adding that this year, the figure is projected to reach Rp20.5 trillion (US$1.35 billion).
"I hope that this festival will help the government recover the country's economy by providing support to the retail industry," he remarked.
The 2023 ISF will be held at hundreds of shopping centers in Indonesia under the collaboration between APPBI and the Association of Indonesian Retailers and Shopping Center Tenants (HIPPINDO).
Its opening ceremony will take place simultaneously in several major cities on August 10, with the main event centered in Bandung City.
Moreover, malls in Jakarta, Semarang, Bali, and Bandung are scheduled to simultaneously provide live broadcasts of the opening ceremony.
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Translator: Pamela Sakina, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Sri Haryati
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