The Indonesian government has rolled out several initiatives aimed at bolstering consumer activity during Ramadan 2025, with specific programs to assist households and boost the economy. One of the major programs, called Program Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG), is set to continue through Ramadan, adapting its food distribution methods to meet the unique needs of beneficiaries.
According to Dadan Hindayana, the head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), the menu for the MBG during Ramadan will be different from the usual offerings. "Yang puasa dimakan saat buka (puasa), yang tidak puasa dimakan diam-diam atau sembunyi-sembunyi," he explained, indicating how the meal distribution will accommodate both fasting and non-fasting individuals. This remark was made during an event at the Military Academy at Magelang, Central Java, where he emphasized adjustments made to serve the needs of diverse recipients effectively.
The MBG program will also undergo changes to its distribution system. Instead of food being packaged using traditional methods, the items will be provided in tote bags, which recipients must return for new bags filled with fresh food. These modifications reflect the government's commitment to ensuring nutritional support continues uninterrupted throughout the fasting month.
Parallel to the MBG program, the government is also implementing various consumer incentives aimed at stimulating domestic spending during the Ramadan and Eid seasons. Minister for Economic Coordination, Airlangga Hartarto, announced discounts on domestic airline tickets and significant reductions for national shopping events. Specifically, there will be a 10% discount on domestic flight fares available one week before and after Eid, as well as special sales events to encourage online shopping.
Airlangga highlighted, "Tentu salah satu kan memastikan insentif untuk pesawat, terus insentif terkait jalan tol." These government efforts are intended not only to make travel more affordable for families making their way home during the holiday but also to invigorate overall consumer spending. This initiative is part of broader efforts to support economic growth during the first quarter of 2025, which is particularly important as communities look forward to celebrating the festive season.
Further emphasizing the significance of these policies, President Prabowo Subianto also conveyed the government's dedication to stimulating economic activity during Ramadan and Eid festivities. He stated, "Pemerintah akan terus menerapkan kebijakan-kebijakan strategis untuk mendorong pertumbuhan ekonomi kita," underscoring the importance of these fiscal measures. The administration aims to balance the social welfare of citizens with the necessity of strengthening market activities, especially through infrastructural support such as reduced toll fees to ease holiday travel.
This approach is particularly relevant as many families struggle with the costs associated with travel and leisure during the festive days, with transportation often cited as a significant expense. By easing the financial burden through these subsidies and discounts, the government hopes to increase mobility and improve the overall experience for families as they visit relatives and friends for the celebrations.
Expectations are high for these initiatives to yield favorable outcomes, resulting not only from the immediate financial relief they provide but also from anticipated increases in momentum across various economic sectors, including transportation, tourism, and retail. With the rollout of both MBG and consumer incentives, the government appears poised to effectively respond to the challenges of fostering economic growth during Ramadan 2025.
Overall, the Indonesian government's strategic initiatives during this Ramadan are poised to have broad impacts on both households and the economy at large. The innovative measures reflect careful consideration of the unique challenges faced by families during this period and aim to create opportunities for improved consumption, thereby enhancing the festive spirit of Ramadan and Eid.