Ramadan season forecast to bolster Indonesia’s economic growth

Faisal said the Ramadan-to-Eid period could lift growth by around 0.25%–0.3%, driven mainly by stronger household consumption. He said that the bank estimates that Ramadan and Eid could add around 0.25 to 0.3 percentage points to Indonesia’s economic growth.

Jakarta (VNA) – Ramadan and Idulfitri season is projected to provide a modest but meaningful boost to Indonesia’s economic growth, with expansion estimated at up to 0.3%, according to Permata Bank’s Head of Macroeconomic and Financial Market Research Faisal Rachman.

Faisal said the Ramadan-to-Eid period could lift growth by around 0.25%–0.3%, driven mainly by stronger household consumption. He said that the bank estimates that Ramadan and Eid could add around 0.25 to 0.3 percentage points to Indonesia’s economic growth.

He noted that the seasonal impact aligns with rising consumer spending during Ramadan, supported by higher mobility during the annual mudik homecoming and increased purchases of holiday-related goods.

Sectors expected to benefit most include food and beverages (F&B), restaurants, transportation and leisure.

On purchasing power, Faisal assessed that household conditions remain relatively stable. This is supported by the near-simultaneous disbursement of social assistance, discounted mudik transportation fares, and the payment of holiday allowances (THR) and bonuses.

However, he warned of potential inflationary pressures, particularly in food commodities, which could erode purchasing power if not properly managed. Rising inflation, especially in food commodities, needs to be closely monitored as it could reduce purchasing power, he said.

Staple food prices tend to rise seasonally due to higher demand during Ramadan and Idulfitri. In addition to demand-side pressures, extreme weather could disrupt supply and distribution in several regions.

Still, Faisal pointed to ongoing horticultural harvests that are helping maintain market supply. The government has also rolled out price stabilisation measures, including the Affordable Food Movement (GPM), market operations and stock stabilization efforts through state logistics agency Bulog.

Faisal said Ramadan consumption remains relatively solid and could serve as a buffer for economic growth amid global headwinds. Consumption during Ramadan remains relatively well maintained and is capable of supporting economic growth, he concluded./.

VNA

See more

The UK's Minister for the Indo-Pacific Seema Malhotra speaks to the media at a panel discussion on women, peace and security (WPS). (Photo: VNA)

UK reaffirms commitment to deepening cooperation with ASEAN

Amid growing geopolitical uncertainties, partnerships based on respect and shared interests are increasingly important, a British official said, reaffirming the UK’s support for ASEAN centrality and its desire to expand practical and long-term cooperation.

Thailand strengthens border security

Thailand strengthens border security

Foreign nationals linked to cross-border cyber fraud networks have increasingly attempted to enter Thailand illegally as authorities step up raids and prosecutions, Pol Maj Gen Jaturapat Piromkaew, commander of the Foreign Affairs Division and deputy spokesman for the RTP, said on February 25.

The Election Commission of Thailand certifies the first 396 constituency MPs, certificates available from February 26. (Photo: world.thaipbs.or.th)

Thailand announces list of elected constituency MPs

The commission said the announcement corresponds with the legal mandate requiring the endorsement of at least 95% of all 400 constituency seats within 60 days of an election, provided preliminary investigations indicate the polls were conducted honestly and fairly.

Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. (Photo: qdnd.vn)

MILAN 2026 multilateral naval exercise concludes in India

Deputy Chief of Staff of Naval Region 2 Colonel Le Dinh Nghi who is also head of the Vietnam People’s Navy delegation, attended a closing ceremony of the multilateral naval exercise MILAN 2026 held on February 25 aboard the Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant by the Indian Navy.

People move their belongings through an inundated street amid floods following heavy rain in Indonesia's resort island of Bali on February 24, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

Indonesia issues red alert for flooding in Bali

Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued its highest-level red alert for several districts, warning that heavy to extreme rainfall may continue through February 26.

Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso. (Photo: ANTARA/HO-Trade Ministry/rst)

Indonesia calls on EU to implement WTO ruling in palm oil dispute

The Indonesian government will continue to monitor and evaluate the EU’s policy adjustments, particularly those related to the Indirect Land Use Change policy under Directive (EU) 2018/2001, known as Renewable Energy Directive II, and its implementing regulations.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles infection, Singapore's Communicable Diseases Agency said, adding that 87% of measles cases recorded domestically in 2026 so far had occurred in people who were not fully vaccinated. (Photo: iStock)

Singapore steps up measures to prevent measles

The CDA said it was notified on February 17 of the case involving an 11-month-old girl who attends a preschool. The child was not yet due for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination. This is the fifth measles case recorded this year among infants under 12 months of age.

A motor expo, held in Nonthaburi, Thailand. (File photo: bangkokpost.com)

Thailand's car production rises 10.53% in January

Thailand's ⁠car production hit 118,386 units in January 2026, ‌up 10.53% year on year, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) said on February 24, driven by ⁠local sales and electric vehicle (EV) output.

Workers cut tuna meat for export at a fish processing unit in the Nusantara Fisheries Port complex in Ternate, North Maluku, on January 19, 2026. (Photo: ANTARA/Andri Saputra/rwa)

Indonesia steps up fishery exports to Türkiye, China

China remains Indonesia's largest export destination, with 1,080 types of fishery commodities shipped to the country. Last year, Indonesia's fishery exports to China reached 491,528 tonnes worth 1.04 billion USD.

Thailand stabilises retail petrol, diesel prices

Thailand stabilises retail petrol, diesel prices

Minister of Energy and Chairman of the Fuel Fund Management Committee (FFMC) Atthapol Rerkpiboon announced the decision after chairing an FFMC meeting the same day. The meeting was convened to discuss solutions to address the potential impact of the US-Iran crisis on domestic fuel prices.