HARIANEXPRESS – Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that Indonesia’s economy is ready to accelerate toward 6 percent growth, Tuesday (8/9/2026)
Purbaya delivered the remarks during a media briefing in Jakarta marking the completion of his first year in office since assuming the ministerial post on Sept. 8, 2025. He explained that national economic performance has successfully broken out of the previous stagnant trend of around 5 percent.
“I think growth in the third quarter of this year could approach 6 percent. For me, the most interesting thing as an economist is when theory is tested in the field and the results match reality,” said Purbaya.
Recent data indicates growth reached 5.39 percent in the fourth quarter of last year, followed by 5.61 percent in the first quarter of 2026. While performance registered at 5.29 percent in the second quarter due to global headwinds, momentum remains oriented toward stronger expansion.
“Although Indonesia’s economy is not running at full speed yet, I can assure you that we have moved beyond 5-percent growth. Growth was 5.39 percent in the fourth quarter of last year, 5.61 percent in the first quarter of 2026 and 5.29 percent in the second quarter. It slowed slightly due to global disruptions, but now we are ready to move toward 6 percent again,” said Purbaya.
Purbaya noted that managing public confidence remains a primary challenge to achieving full economic potential. To counter recessionary expectations, he applied macroeconomic principles to foster positive sentiment among investors and domestic consumers.
“It is difficult to achieve that in the short term. It is not arrogance, but a design to shape expectations in a positive direction,” said Purbaya.
With stronger private sector activity and active government backing, the minister expressed optimism for sustained expansion ahead.
“If this is maintained, 6-percent growth is not too far away. We could see it in the not-too-distant future,” said Purbaya.
