The Nielsen index is based on several consumer confidence indicators, such as local employment prospects, consumerism and personal finance. Minimum wages have risen, annual economic growth is still around six percent and people's purchasing power is rising. Moreover, based on statistical data, Indonesian consumers tend to be more confident in the period around 6 to 12 months ahead of elections as elections always trigger increased consumption. In mid 2014, new presidential elections will be held.

Nielsen's research, which was conducted between 13 and 31 May 2013, comprises 29,000 respondents in 58 countries through an online survey (500 people were surveyed in Indonesia).


Nielsen Global Survey of Consumer Confidence
and Spending Intentions index:

Country     Points
 1. Indonesia       124
 2. Philippines       121
 3. India       118
 4. Thailand
      114
 5. Brazil       110
 6. China       110
 7. United Arab Emirates       107
 8. Hong Kong       107
 9. Malaysia       103
10. Saudi Arabia       100
18. United States        96
20. Singapore        95

Source: Nielsen Company

Also the latest MasterCard Index TM of Consumer Confidence indicated that Indonesia, with a score of 81 points, is among five countries with the highest consumer confidence level in the Asia Pacific in the first semester of 2013. This index, however, shows a small decline in Indonesian consumer confidence compared to the previous edition (in the previous edition Indonesia had a score of 87.5 points).

Matters that make consumers optimistic are Indonesia's economic growth, employment prospects, local stock market performance, regular income prospects and the quality of life.

It remains questionable whether Indonesia's middle class will remain this optimistic in the next editions of Nielsen and Mastercard. Higher inflation (brought on by the increase in prices of subsidized fuels) and a weakening rupiah (resulting in higher costs to import goods) are expected to impact on consumption in Indonesia.

Bahas