Indonesians Optimistic when Facing Crisis
Jakarta, Friday, 5 December 2008, Bali (The Jakarta Post)

Indonesians and citizens of other developing as well as advanced countries are optimistic in facing the economic crisis. A Nielsen Company research program showed that the trust level of Indonesian consumers is in the third position after India and Denmark.

The Nielsen Company Indonesia executive-director Catherine Eddy said although the trust index of Indonesian consumers was lowered to 110, the score remains quite good. “During the developing economy, many products and services which are performing a two digit growth plus expenses have not been affected,” he said yesterday.

Catherine said Indonesian consumers do have anxieties, even though they are only short-term. Indonesians are most concerned about work and life, the economy, welfare, and parents’ well-being. To face difficult times, she said, 68 percent of consumers prefer saving. Meanwhile 50 percent consumers said they would continue investing if they have spare money.

AC Nielsen Indonesia’s retail service director Yongky Surya Susila said retail sales of Indonesian consumers have not been affected much by the crisis.