Finance Minister Purbaya Initially Hesitant to Travel Abroad Before Indonesia Achieves 6% Economic Growth

Jakarta — Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has revealed that Fitch Ratings’ downgrade of Indonesia’s debt outlook to negative yesterday was likely influenced by the newness of his government and ministry.

He believes foreign agencies have not yet understood his capabilities well, as he has not yet travelled abroad, including meeting Indonesian investors overseas.

“Perhaps it is still a new government and a new Finance Minister, so they might think the Finance Minister cannot do calculations. So that is also my fault because I have never gone abroad,” Purbaya said during a press conference at his office in Central Jakarta on Monday (9 March 2026).

Previously, he had pledged not to travel abroad before Indonesia’s economy grows by 6%. However, given Fitch’s assessment, he has realised he must actively promote Indonesia.

“Initially, I thought that before Indonesia grows by 6%, I would not go abroad. But now this must change because I must also market what our situation is like,” he added.

He acknowledged that he will travel abroad in April 2026 to demonstrate the Finance Minister’s work. He plans to attend the IMF-World Bank meetings in Washington DC, United States.

“So in April I will go abroad to ensure that our Finance Minister understands what is being done,” Purbaya stated firmly.