[PRESS RELEASE] - Ipsos Survey: 2025 Perceived as a Challenging Year, Yet Optimism and Consumer Confidence in Indonesia Begin to Recover Ahead of 2026

Ipsos Survey: 2025 Perceived as a Challenging Year, Yet Optimism and Consumer Confidence in Indonesia Begin to Recover Ahead of 2026

Jakarta, 20 February 2026 – The year 2025 was perceived as a challenging period by the Indonesians, particularly in terms of economic conditions and employment. However, amid these pressures, consumer confidence showed signs of strengthening toward the end of the year, signaling renewed optimism about the direction of the national economy. These findings are highlighted in the latest report by Ipsos, one of the world’s leading market research companies, titled “Ipsos Bright Horizons Insights 2026.”

The Ipsos study shows that negative perceptions of economic conditions throughout 2025 were not unique to Indonesia, but rather part of a broader global phenomenon. Nevertheless, Indonesia demonstrated signs of a faster recovery in public sentiment compared to the global average, particularly toward the end of the year.

Unemployment Emerges as a Key Concern for Indonesians

In fact, 52% of Indonesians consider unemployment to be one of their primary concerns, nearly on par with issues of poverty and social inequality. The high level of attention given to employment reflects the critical role of job stability as a foundation for household economic security.

Additionally, 49% of respondents reported knowing someone who had lost their job in the past six months, while 29% stated that they believe they may lose their own job within the next six months.

Purbaya’s Effect Reflected in the Strengthening of the Consumer Confidence Index

Amid heightened public attention to economic issues, Indonesia has shown a strengthening Ipsos Global Consumer Confidence Index (GCCI), remaining relatively stable and above the global average. This trend reflects what is known as “Purbaya’s Effect,” referring to growing public confidence in economic management and the stability of the national financial system.

In August 2025, Indonesia ranked third globally (57.6) on the GCCI. In September 2025, the index declined sharply to ninth place (52.3) following widespread unrest in many cities. However, following Purbaya’s appointment as Indonesia’s Minister of Finance in September 2025, consumer confidence began to gradually recover and remained stable through January, reaching 62.6 points.

Commenting on the findings, Hansal Savla, Managing Director of Ipsos Indonesia, said:

“Ipsos GCCI results show that public confidence in the direction of the national economy is beginning to return. Purbaya’s Effect reflects a positive perception of policy stability and economic management, even as structural challenges remain.”

Personal Financial Optimism Begins to Recover

The recovery in confidence is also evident at the individual level. A total of 64% of Indonesians expect their personal financial situation to improve over the next six months. This optimism is most strongly felt among Generation Z as well as low- and middle-income groups, who were previously the most affected by economic pressures.

As financial optimism increases, Indonesians are beginning to show greater comfort in making spending decisions, although a cautious approach continues to be maintained.

AI and the World of Work: Attention on the Impact of Transformation

Technological transformation, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), has also emerged as a key area of public attention in Indonesia. Seventy-six percent (76%) of respondents believe that AI has the potential to eliminate many jobs, while 68% believe that it will create new types of employment.

These findings indicate that Indonesians view AI as an inevitable change, with a strong focus on workforce readiness and skills adaptation.

Commenting further, Hansal Savla added:

“Indonesians are not rejecting AI; rather, they are aware of its impact on the world of work. The challenge lies in ensuring that this transition is inclusive, supported by upskilling and greater workforce readiness.”

Looking Ahead to 2026: Optimism Remains Strong

Looking forward, the majority of Indonesians view 2026 with stronger optimism. Nine in ten Indonesians believe that 2026 will be a better year compared to 2025. In addition, 80% of respondents expect their disposable income to increase, while 81% believe that global economic conditions will improve.