The IDR 24 Trillion Stimulus: A Breath of Fresh Air for MSMEs or a Momentary Hustle?
Across the city, the vibrancy of small traders is once again palpable. Shop windows are neatly arranged, traditional market shelves are filled with new goods, and the sound of bargaining is becoming more boisterous than usual. Indeed, the long holiday season always brings a glimmer of hope for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
At Banjarmasin’s Old Market, Mrs. Nur, the owner of a grocery stall, is busy arranging sugar and oil packaging. She says quietly, “It’s usually busy during the holidays, but now I’m a bit worried. Prices have gone up, so people are spending more economically.” This story speaks to many MSMEs. They welcome the busy season with enthusiasm, but remain wary of their purchasing power, which has not yet fully recovered.
This year, good news comes with the government’s IDR 24 trillion stimulus. These funds are allocated through accelerated spending by ministries/agencies, transfers to regions, and social assistance programs to strengthen people’s purchasing power.
This measure is quite relevant, considering that household consumption remains the mainstay of the national economy. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), household consumption contributed more than 52 percent of GDP in the first quarter of 2024. MSMEs themselves made a significant contribution, contributing around 61 percent of GDP and absorbing up to 97 percent of the workforce. This data shows that stimulating consumption and MSMEs could be key to keeping the people’s economy moving.
However, a crucial question arises: will this IDR 24 trillion have a real impact, or is it just a fleeting surge that quickly subsides?
Optimism Amidst Challenges
The holiday season is indeed a momentum for a surge in public spending. Historical trends show that demand for goods increases significantly before and during the holidays. Data from Bank Indonesia shows that the retail sales index in March 2024 increased by 9.3 percent compared to the same period the previous year. MSMEs should capitalize on this opportunity to improve cash flow, mobilize capital, and expand market share.
However, the reality is that many small businesses face limited capital to increase inventory. Furthermore, soaring raw material prices ahead of the holidays further pressure their profits. Purchasing power for some people has not yet fully recovered, so demand is not as high as expected.
The latest Bank Indonesia survey shows that although consumers remain optimistic, their confidence index is slightly lower than last year. Many MSMEs are choosing to be cautious, avoiding the risk of accumulating stock that ultimately doesn’t sell. A home-baked cake seller admitted: “If I stock too much, I’m afraid I’ll make a loss. So I’m just playing it safe.”
This situation illustrates that stimulus alone is not enough to inspire all businesses to take the next step.
To ensure that this stimulus doesn’t end up like a quick firework, there are several things worth considering. First, ensure access to financing for MSMEs is facilitated. Programs like the People’s Business Credit (KUR) need to be faster and simpler. Additional capital is crucial to meet the surge in demand.
Second, maintain stable raw material prices. Local governments, the Logistics Agency (Bulog), and distributors need to collaborate to maintain supply to prevent price spikes. Adequate stocks of basic commodities in warehouses must be ensured to suppress price fluctuations.
Third, encourage people to choose local shopping. Money spent at small stalls or traditional markets will directly stimulate the economy at the grassroots level. A local shopping campaign can strengthen the relationship between consumers and regional products.
However, the reality is that many small businesses face limited capital to increase inventory. Furthermore, soaring raw material prices ahead of the holidays further pressure their profits. Purchasing power for some people has not yet fully recovered, so demand is not as high as expected.
A recent Bank Indonesia survey showed that although consumers remain optimistic, their confidence index is slightly lower than last year. Many MSMEs are choosing to be cautious, avoiding the risk of accumulating unsold inventory. A home-baked cake seller admitted:
“If I have too much stock, I’m afraid I’ll make a loss. So I’m just playing it safe.”
This situation illustrates that stimulus alone is not enough to inspire all businesses to take the next step.
To ensure that this stimulus doesn’t end up like a quick firework, several things need to be considered. First, ensure access to financing for MSMEs is facilitated. Programs like the People’s Business Credit (KUR) need a faster and simpler process. Additional capital is crucial to meet the surge in demand.
Second, maintain stable raw material prices. Regional governments, Bulog, and distributors need to collaborate for maintaining supply to prevent prices from spiraling out of control. Adequate stocks of basic commodities in warehouses must be ensured to suppress price fluctuations.
Third, encourage people to choose local shopping. Money spent at small stalls or traditional markets will directly stimulate the economy at the grassroots level. A campaign to buy local products can strengthen the relationship between consumers and local products.
The success of the stimulus does not depend solely on the government. All parties have a crucial role. The government must ensure targeted implementation, businesses must be bold in innovating and improving services, and the public must also play a role in their purchasing decisions.
Shopping at stalls, reviving traditional markets, and choosing local products is not just about price, but also about keeping the people’s economy alive. With good synergy, this IDR 24 trillion stimulus could be the beginning of a revival for the people’s economy, not just a buzz that quickly subsides.
The stimulus disbursed during the holiday season has great potential to stimulate MSMEs and stimulate the economy. However, success is only possible with proper implementation, business readiness, and community support to strengthen the local economy.
The people’s economy is the pulse of life. Ensuring that simple family dinner tables remain filled, keeping small stalls open, and keeping markets alive as centers of activity in towns and villages. Don’t let this spirit fade too quickly. Shop local, support MSMEs, and ignite the people’s economic spirit.
By: Maya Sari Dewi
Lecturer, Faculty of Economics and Business, Lambung Mangkurat University
Published in the Banjarmasin Post, July 9, 2025
