Expert: Surveys Cannot Measure Real Economic Conditions

Economist Surya Vandiantara has stated that the results of a survey by Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting (SMRC) cannot be used as a benchmark to assess the real condition of the Indonesian economy. The survey indicated that 49.4 per cent of respondents considered the national economy to be poor or very poor.

According to Surya, the survey measures public perception rather than actual economic performance. “The SMRC survey results cannot be used as a measuring tool to assess the real condition of the Indonesian economy. However, from the survey we can conclude that the public’s assessment of the government’s success in the economic field is still low,” he said in a statement received in Jakarta on Thursday.

He highlighted that Statistics Indonesia (BPS) recorded a cumulative trade surplus of USD 41.05 billion during the full year of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration in 2025. “This trade surplus continues the positive trend achieved during the previous administration, which recorded surpluses of USD 36.93 billion in 2023 and USD 31.04 billion in 2024,” Surya noted.

Furthermore, he pointed to positive Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth and an increase in foreign exchange reserves, which stood at USD 145.6 billion at the end of June 2026, up from USD 144.9 billion at the end of May 2026, according to Bank Indonesia.

Surya concluded that the main issue is not the economic sector itself, but the lack of positive reporting on economic achievements, which has led to a public perception not based on actual data. He urged relevant ministries and agencies to be more proactive in communicating the government’s economic successes to the wider public.