Indonesian retail sales rose 6.7 per cent in April – a rate higher than Bank Indonesia, Indonesia’s central bank, had predicted, but slower than in March.

The monthly swings in Indonesian retail sales – which are traditionally erratic – are heavily influenced by the timing of religious festivals.  Sales in February were up 9.1 per cent, and in March by 10.1 per cent. The bank predicted a 5.7 per cent increase in April and has now projected 9 per cent in May due to pent-up demand at the end of Ramadan.

April sales were impacted by lower sales of automotive parts and accessories and household equipment.

March’s sales growth was underpinned by strong apparel and the automotive parts categories.