BI Accused of Lacking Focus on Economic Growth; Destry: That is Incorrect, We Remain Committed

The Acting Governor of Bank Indonesia (BI), Destry Damayanti, has asserted that BI is not solely focused on maintaining the stability of the rupiah exchange rate and inflation at the expense of economic growth. She stated that driving economic growth is being pursued alongside ongoing stabilisation efforts.

She noted that this commitment is reflected in various policies issued to support economic growth in addition to maintaining macroeconomic stability amidst global uncertainty. “Regarding economic growth, the claim that BI is not focused is incorrect. We remain committed,” Destry stated during an online discussion with the media in Parapat on Friday, 31 July 2026.

According to Destry, BI is utilising macroprudential policy instruments and payment systems to encourage economic growth, while monetary policy remains directed towards maintaining the stability of the rupiah exchange rate and inflation. Furthermore, BI continues to encourage the banking sector to enhance its intermediation function to ensure that credit distribution to the real sector, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), continues to grow.

“We are using macroprudential instruments and payment systems to drive economic growth. We are also continuing to optimise the banking intermediation function so that financing to the real sector remains active,” she said.

Destry added that BI has prepared various macroprudential policies to ensure that banking liquidity remains maintained and that credit distribution to the business world can continue to increase. This step is intended to ensure that banks direct more financing towards productive sectors rather than merely placing funds in securities.

“We want the banking sector to return to its primary function as an intermediary institution connecting the financial sector with the real sector. This is one of BI’s policy focuses,” said Destress.

She concluded by reaffirming that Bank Indonesia will optimise all available instruments and policy mixes to maintain exchange rate stability, control inflation, and simultaneously support economic growth.