Car Sales Up, Electricity Use Rises, Purbaya Says Indonesian Economy Still Roaring

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has presented evidence that the Indonesian economy remains strong, citing rising vehicle sales and electricity consumption. He stated that these indicators show the economy has not been disrupted by ongoing global market uncertainties. “Economic indicators, such as motor vehicle sales, continue to grow and reflect maintained purchasing power,” Purbaya said at the GIIAS 2026 event on Tuesday (4/8/2026). He also noted that business mobility is improving, reflected in consistent expansion of fuel sales for both transportation and industry, alongside increased household and industrial electricity consumption. Purbaya revealed that car sales surged 52% in March 2026 before experiencing a decline in April. Concerned by the slowdown, he investigated and found that the banking sector was facing a liquidity threat. In response, the government placed state budget surplus funds into state-owned banks (Himbara), with total placements now reaching approximately Rp400 trillion, up from an initial Rp200 trillion. Purbaya expressed confidence that this liquidity injection should help demand for both motorcycles and cars to recover.