Anindya Bakrie: 5.61% Economic Growth Evidence of Government Programme Success
Jakarta – Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Anindya Bakrie, stated that the 5.61% economic growth in the first quarter of 2026 is evidence that various government programmes are beginning to show real results in driving economic activity.
“We appreciate the government’s performance. Government programmes implemented since early 2025 are starting to bear fruit this year,” Anindya said in his statement on Wednesday, 6 May 2026.
He assessed that this achievement is inseparable from the acceleration of government spending since the beginning of the year, the massive implementation of the free nutritious meals (MBG) programme, the construction of three million homes, as well as the running of various other priority programmes that also drive growth.
In addition, according to him, investment activity that has begun to move since the start of the year has also become a main supporting factor.
Amid global conditions that remain full of challenges, Anindya conveyed that Indonesia’s 5.61% economic growth is an achievement worthy of appreciation. This figure is even recorded as the highest among G20 member countries in the same period.
“This is a proud achievement,” Anindya said.
He also observed that the improvement in the national economy is now supported by a more balanced combination of domestic consumption, exports that are beginning to open up, and investment flows that are increasingly spreading to the regions.
“Lately, we have succeeded in opening new export markets. Although just starting, the impact is already visible, including on incoming investments,” Anindya said.
According to him, investment trends are also showing positive developments, not only dominated by large projects but also beginning to include medium-scale investments that have the potential to become engines of regional economic growth.
“Going forward, it’s just a matter of discussing with local governments so that investments in the regions can be increased and the regions can advance together. Economic growth must also occur in the regions,” Anindya said.
He added that the performance of the trade balance is also strengthening national economic optimism, given that Indonesia recorded a surplus of US$3.32 billion in March 2026 and continued the surplus trend for 71 consecutive months since May 2020.
Meanwhile, investment realisation in the first quarter of 2026 reached Rp498.8 trillion, or grew 7.2% year-on-year, with the downstreaming sector remaining the main contributor. Therefore, Anindya emphasised the importance of maintaining this momentum through strengthened coordination between the central and local governments so that economic growth is even.