Finance Minister Purbaya Conducts Surprise Inspection of Tanah Abang Market, Claims Consumer Purchasing Power Remains Strong

Jakarta – Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa conducted a surprise inspection at Tanah Abang Market on Monday (9 March 2026) to directly assess the condition of economic activity among the public.

The move followed several economists’ views that consumer purchasing power had weakened and the economy was under pressure.

“Many economists say we’re already in recession, purchasing power is destroyed, markets are quiet. I wanted to check directly, because if I look at our data, the economy is doing well,” said Purbaya at Tanah Abang Market on Monday (9 March 2026).

He stated that upon arrival at the location, crowds of visitors were visible at various market points, which he regarded as an indication that public consumption activity was still taking place. “It turned out to be true, purchasing power still exists. People are still shopping, markets are still busy,” said Purbaya.

Based on these observations, he assessed that the condition of the national economy remained sufficiently strong and far from crisis risk. “This means consumer purchasing power seems to be improving and we are not in recession. Especially from crisis we are far from crisis,” he said.

Purbaya also emphasised that the government would continue to maintain economic stability, including anticipating potential increases in global oil prices.

According to him, if global oil prices were to surge, the government would seek to contain this through state budget policy. “If global oil prices rise, we will try to absorb it through the state budget and we will control it as much as possible,” he said.

He also urged the public not to worry about the condition of the national economy because the government still has policy space to maintain stability.