Bamsoet Optimistic Indonesia's Economic Growth Can Exceed Target
Jakarta - Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the Golkar Party faction, Bambang Soesatyo, is optimistic that economic growth in the first quarter of 2026 can reach 5.6 percent. He even believes that in the coming years, Indonesia’s economy is capable of growing up to 8 percent.
He noted that signs of economic strengthening are already visible from maintained macroeconomic stability, solid domestic consumption, and increasing investment in the downstream and value-added manufacturing sectors.
“I am optimistic and in line with what Finance Minister Purbaya conveyed in his scientific address at the University of Indonesia graduation ceremony, expressing confidence that Indonesia’s economy can break through 8 percent. With healthy fiscal consolidation, a controlled deficit, and a relatively manageable debt-to-GDP ratio of around 38-39 percent, there is still ample room for Indonesia’s economic growth,” Bamsoet said in a written statement on Sunday (2/15/2026).
The remarks were made while attending the graduation ceremony of his daughter, Belliza Shintya Putri, from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at the University of Indonesia on Saturday (2/14).
Furthermore, the 15th Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) explained that data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded Indonesia’s economic growth throughout 2025 at above 5 percent. Household consumption was the main driver, contributing more than half of gross domestic product (GDP). Additionally, investment grew steadily, particularly in the mineral processing sector, the electric vehicle industry, and the development of new industrial zones outside Java. The trade balance also continued to record surpluses that strengthened foreign exchange reserves while supporting the stability of the rupiah exchange rate.
“If we can maintain the growth trend above five percent and gradually increase industrial productivity, 8 percent becomes a reasonable target. We have a demographic bonus, abundant natural resources, and a large domestic market. It is simply a matter of ensuring policies remain consistent and supportive of long-term growth,” he explained.
The Golkar Party Deputy Chairman and Deputy Chairman/Head of the National Defense Agency of FKPPI explained that on the monetary side, Bank Indonesia projects solid economic growth in 2026 with inflation controlled within the target range. He said price and exchange rate stability provide room for businesses to expand. The government is also continuing to accelerate the downstream program through cross-ministerial coordination, including under the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, to ensure the economic transformation process proceeds in a structured and sustainable manner.
“The 8 percent growth must be high-quality and equitable. We want industries to develop, job opportunities to expand widely, public purchasing power to increase, and regions to share in the benefits of development. With a clear policy direction and the support of all elements of the nation, I am confident Indonesia can enter its take-off phase toward becoming an advanced economy,” he concluded.