Finance Minister Guarantees Prabowo's Decisions Consider Fiscal Risk

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed that every strategic decision made by President Prabowo has undergone a joint discussion mechanism that considers various economic, social, and state fiscal capacity aspects. He stated that his ministry always provides analysis on fiscal risks and budget impacts as material for the President’s consideration in making decisions. The state budget deficit is maintained below the maximum limit of 3 percent of gross domestic product, while the government debt ratio remains at a safe level compared to many other countries. “Last year the state budget deficit was around 2.81 percent of GDP and this year it is estimated to remain below 3 percent. The government debt ratio is also still around 40 percent of GDP, so it remains in a prudent category,” Purbaya said. Regarding various government priority programmes, such as the Free Nutritious Meals and the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives, the government continues to conduct evaluations to ensure their implementation is more efficient and on target. He acknowledged that every new programme faces challenges in its early stages, so supervision and refinement will continue. Purbaya stated that the government has taken steps to streamline the budget, strengthen oversight mechanisms, and improve coordination with implementing agencies to make the use of state funds more accountable. “The government does not turn a blind eye to existing shortcomings. The most important thing is that every weakness is immediately corrected and supervision is strengthened,” he said. He also confirmed that reforms within the Ministry of Finance continue to be strengthened, including the eradication of irregularities in the taxation and customs sectors. He emphasised that there will be no tolerance for officials proven to have committed violations. Corrective measures are being taken through enhanced supervision, staff rotation, and prosecution of individuals who abuse their authority. These steps are expected to improve institutional integrity while strengthening state revenues. “There is always a risk of misappropriation in any organisation. The most important thing is to control it, take action against the perpetrators, and continuously improve the system to make it cleaner,” he stated.