BI reports September retail sales fell 3.1% from August

Bank Indonesia said retail sales in September 2026 weakened, with the Real Sales Index at 219.5. On an annual basis, the index still rose 0.6 percent, slowing from 1.3 percent in August. On a monthly basis, retail sales contracted 3.1 percent after rising 0.8 percent in the previous month. BI attributed the decline to demand normalization after the Republic of Indonesia Independence Day commemorations. Support for annual growth came from spare parts and accessories, which rose 5.3 percent, and the other goods group, which grew 3.7 percent. For October, BI expects the IPR to rise to 221.8, or grow 1 percent annually and monthly, driven mainly by motor vehicle fuel. BI also noted higher general price expectations for December 2026 and March 2027.