The ministry's expert staff for digital transformation, creativity, and human resources, Rizal Edwin, stated that the public's visits to shopping centers as a family destination apart for shopping also increased after the pandemic.
"The Indonesian Retailers and Shopping Centers Association (Hippindo) can use this momentum to improve itself and innovate to develop new concepts in meeting people's needs and lifestyles," Edwin remarked at the 2023 Indonesia Retail Summit (IRS) in Jakarta, Monday.
Edwin projected an increase in the number of visitors to shopping centers in 2023. He also noted that shopping centers became popular places for people, especially during the last Eid holiday.
"The number of visitors has reportedly reached 100 percent, an increase as compared to 2022, during which the figure was around 90 percent," he remarked.
Edwin stated that the increase in visitors occurred following the revocation of the community mobility restriction (PPKM) status in the country.
On the other hand, the increase in visitors was also in line with the increase in the consumer confidence index (IKK), which in June 2023, was at the level of 127.1, an increase of six percent from the position at the end of last year and was included in the optimistic zone category.
Based on the Indonesian Statistics (BPS) data, currently, 649 shopping centers and 1,484 supermarkets are spread across Indonesia.
Edwin noted that the large number of shopping centers and supermarkets showed their important roles in supporting economic activity and meeting consumer needs.
Hence, to this end, Edwin stated that the government has established various policies and facilities for business actors in conducting domestic trade activities.
Furthermore, he said the government encourages shopping center businesses to partner with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
"Through partnership and collaboration, we will be able to create market opportunities for our MSME products and also create new business fields, absorb labor, and create a healthy business climate," he concluded.
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Translator: Ade Irma J, Resinta S
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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