Finance Minister Purbaya keeps 2026 state budget deficit below 3 percent
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa is maintaining the 2026 State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) deficit below 3 percent, or at 2.9 percent, amid a surge in global energy prices.
“We have already calculated everything. Even with an average (global oil price) of 100 (US dollars per barrel), we have locked the deficit below 3 percent. That’s around 2.9 percent. So, no problem,” Purbaya said when met at Wisma Danantara Indonesia in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The 2026 APBN was initially projected to face a deficit of Rp698.15 trillion, equivalent to 2.68 percent of GDP.
Thus, there is an additional projected deficit of 0.12 percent due to the war between the United States (US)-Israel and Iran.
That conflict has caused a spike in global oil prices on the international market. Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices are around 100 US dollars per barrel.
This figure is higher compared to the average oil price in January 2026, where Brent (ICE) was 64 US dollars per barrel.
“If (the deficit) goes from 2.68 percent to 2.9 percent, that’s 0.12 percent of GDP. Not a big deal,” Purbaya stated.
Purbaya noted that the 2.9 percent deficit assumes an average global oil price of 100 US dollars per barrel until the end of the year.
“That’s if it’s 100 US dollars per barrel for the full year. But now it’s dropped again. The average is 76-77 (US dollars per barrel). So, it’s still below the 100 US dollars per barrel assumption,” Purbaya said.
Purbaya also conveyed that the government is implementing various spending savings across ministries to reduce the APBN deficit.
In addition, Purbaya stated that the government has a Budget Surplus Balance (SAL) of Rp420 trillion.
“If push comes to shove, I have the SAL. It’s now up to Rp420 trillion. It will be used if things get really tight,” Purbaya said.
To date, even as the government holds subsidised and non-subsidised fuel prices amid soaring global oil prices, Purbaya said the government has not yet used the SAL.
“No, not yet (using SAL). Our national finances are in very good condition; I have plenty of buffers,” Purbaya remarked.