Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Indonesian government is optimistic that the 13th National Online Shopping Day (Harbolnas) in 2024 will generate Rp40 trillion ($2.5 billion) in e-commerce sales. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto expressed this confidence during the event’s launch at The Park Pejaten Mall in Jakarta on Friday, December 6, 2024.
This year’s National Online Shopping Day will take place from December 10-16, significantly extending its usual three-day duration to a full week. Under the theme “Use Our Own Products,” the event aims to boost consumer purchasing power while empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“Last year, sales reached approximately Rp24.7 trillion ($1.6 billion). This year, we hope to see that figure rise to Rp40 trillion ($2.5 billion),” Airlangga said at the launch. “We believe this program can help drive consumer spending.”
Airlangga noted that 99% of participants of this year National Online Shopping Day are SMEs, with a total of 417 businesses taking part in the initiative.
Minister for SMEs Maman Abdurrahman also praised National Online Shopping Day for its support of small business owners, who make up the majority of participants. “This program greatly assists our SME entrepreneurs. We hope to achieve the Rp40 trillion target as a testament to SME empowerment,” Maman stated.
National Online Shopping Day 2024 will offer a wide variety of products, ranging from daily necessities to high-tech goods. Significant discounts and free shipping promotions are expected to attract consumers across the country.
Inclusion of Tourism Sector
In a unique addition, this year’s National Online Shopping Day will also include the tourism sector through a special Travel Fair. The fair, running alongside Online Shopping in December, will feature promotions for hotels, travel tickets, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
“Don’t miss the travel fair,” Airlangga urged. “This is a great opportunity to shop online and plan your Christmas and New Year holidays at the same time.”
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Following the National Online Shopping Day, Indonesia will also host Belanja di Indonesia Saja (Shop in Indonesia Only) from December 20-29, organized by the Indonesian Retailers and Shopping Mall Tenants Association (Hippindo). Through the Every Purchase is Cheap (EPIC) campaign, over 80,000 supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide will offer massive discounts.
Boosting Digital Economy and Consumer Spending
The National Online Shopping Day serves as a key government strategy to stimulate economic growth and consumer spending. The e-commerce sector alone is projected to contribute Rp40 trillion during the event, excluding transactions from the Travel Fair.
“This program is expected to significantly boost consumer purchasing power,” Airlangga reiterated.
With major discounts and accessible deals, the National Online Shopping Day is not merely a shopping festival, it also serves as a platform for SMEs to expand their market reach in the digital era. The government hopes the event will act as a major catalyst for national economic growth during the final quarter of 2024.
(Raidi/Agung)
