ADB: Indonesia Has Never Been Late in Repaying Its Debt

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — Indonesia, a borrowing member of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has never recorded arrears or been late in meeting its repayment obligations.

ADB Country Director for Indonesia Bobur Alimov made the statement when speaking to reporters at the BPOM Makassar Centre on Thursday (22 October 2026).

He stressed that Indonesia had consistently repaid project and programme loans in accordance with the terms since joining the ADB in 1966.

“Never. Never. Never. In 60 years, never. So it has never happened,” Bobur said.

“Project implementation usually takes five years, but loan repayments begin after implementation is completed, typically over a period of more than 20 years,” he added.

According to Bobur, Indonesia has so far demonstrated a strong capacity to manage loans and debt, as reflected in its debt-to-GDP ratio remaining below the safe threshold of 60% of GDP.

As of 30 June 2026, central government debt stood at Rp10,293.69 trillion, equivalent to 41.26% of GDP.

The total comprised Rp8,966.79 trillion in government securities and Rp1,326.90 trillion in loans.

“Indonesia is in a very good position; its macroeconomic fundamentals are very strong. Public debt is stable and at a relatively low level. We also provide concessional loans, so the interest rates are very competitive. There is no doubt about the ability to repay,” Bobur said.