Bank of Indonesia published its March 2026 Retail Sales Survey, with respondents expecting retail sales to remain positive. The Real Sales Index (RSI) for March 2026 is projected to rise 2.4% year on year and 9.3% month on month. The March improvement is expected to be supported by Spare Parts and Accessories, Food, Beverages and Tobacco, and Cultural and Recreational Goods, with month-on-month gains also attributed to stronger sales in Information and Communication Equipment, Automotive Fuel, and Clothing amid higher household demand during Ramadan 1447 H and the Eid-ul-Fitr national religious holiday. For February 2026, the RSI recorded 6.5% year-on-year growth (from 5.7% previously) and increased 4.1% month on month after a 2.7% contraction in the prior period, led by Spare Parts and Accessories, Food, Beverages and Tobacco, and Clothing. On prices, retailers anticipate a build-up of inflationary pressures over the next three months, reflected in the Price Expectations Index (PEI) for May 2026 rising to 157.4 from 153.9 in April 2026 due to higher raw material prices, while the six-month outlook is broadly stable with the PEI for August 2026 projected at 157.2 versus 157.1 in July 2026.
Bank of Indonesia 2026-04-13
Bank of Indonesia Retail Sales Survey projects March Real Sales Index up 2.4% year on year and higher May price expectations
Bank of Indonesia’s March 2026 Retail Sales Survey shows respondents expect retail sales to remain positive, with the Real Sales Index projected to rise 2.4% year on year and 9.3% month on month, supported by stronger demand during Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr. The February 2026 index recorded 6.5% year-on-year growth and a 4.1% month-on-month increase, reversing the previous period’s contraction. Retailers anticipate higher inflationary pressures over the next three months, with the Price Expectations Index for May 2026 at 157.4, while the six-month outlook remains broadly stable.