JAKARTA. Retail sales grew in March 2019 by 10.1% (yoy). This growth was sustained by the clothing sub group and parts and accessories group.
The Real Sales Index (IPR) of the Bank Indonesia Retail Sales Survey in March 2019 grew by 10.1% (yoy), up from 9.1% (yoy) in February 2019.
Retail sales are predicted to maintain positive growth in April 2019. This is indicated by the April 2019 IPR which is estimated to grow 5.7% (yoy), although it is slowing compared to the previous month's growth. However, the April 2019 IPR is projected to grow higher compared to the growth in the same period the previous year of 4.1% (yoy). Sales of the Clothing subgroup and the Parts and Accessories group still support this growth.
The survey results indicate price pressures at the retail trader level in the next three months (June 2019) are increasing. This is reflected in the upcoming 3-month General Price Expectation Index (IEH) of 174.6, up from 153.9 in the previous month. This was influenced by inflationary pressures which tended to increase ahead of the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. (AM/MS)