Jakarta retailers Suffer $30 Million in Losses Amidst Recent Protests
Jakarta, Indonesia – Violent protests in Jakarta from august 28th to September 1st have resulted in an estimated Rp 500 billion (US$30 million) in lost sales for the city’s retailers, according to the Indonesian Sales-Associate-(Part-Time)/-in-Moncks-Corner,SC?jid=4afec60df2f6a02d” title=”Retail … Associate Job in Moncks Corner, SC at Autozone”>Retail and Tenants Association (Hippindo). The disruption comes as malls either temporarily closed or reduced operating hours, significantly impacting foot traffic.
Hippindo Chairman Budihardjo Iduansjah told The Jakarta Post that luxury and fashion retailers, alongside department stores, experienced the most substantial declines in sales. While city center retail suffered,suburban supermarkets and hypermarkets saw a surprising 10-15% increase in sales over the same period,likely driven by panic-buying. This trend was observed not only in central Jakarta but also in surrounding residential areas like Serpong, cibubur, and Bekasi.
the financial impact extends beyond immediate sales losses. Budihardjo emphasized the broader economic consequences, noting investor hesitancy, tourist cancellations, and the postponement of key exhibitions – all events that contribute significantly to economic circulation.
“When people are afraid to go out, investors hold back and negative news spreads,” he stated. ”Many investors ask how things are in Indonesia… Tourists cancel [trips],and so many exhibitions have been called off.”
Hippindo is actively collaborating with the Jakarta government, security forces, and other retail stakeholders, urging swift action to restore public order and rebuild confidence among shoppers, businesses, and investors. The association stresses the importance of ensuring business continuity in the wake of the unrest.
Keywords: Jakarta, Indonesia, protests, retail, sales, economic impact, Hippindo, tourism, investment, economic disruption, panic buying.
