Finance Minister Purbaya Prepares for Hajj Pilgrimage, Readies Prayers for Faster Economic Growth
JAKARTA, KOMPAS - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa plans to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage on 21 May 2026. Behind this plan, Purbaya also conveys hopes for the national economy.
Purbaya claims to have prepared a special prayer for Indonesia’s economic growth to continue strengthening in the coming years.
“The prayer is for economic growth to accelerate. A prayer for the economy to remain strong, to grow even more robust, and in three years, we will all be prosperous together,” said Purbaya when met in Kebon Sirih, Jakarta, on Wednesday (6/5/2026).
On the other hand, he assesses that the government’s fiscal performance is often misinterpreted. Although the budget deficit is said to be under control, some parties view this condition as a factor weakening the rupiah’s exchange rate.
In fact, compared to other countries in Asia and the world, Indonesia’s fiscal management is said to be at a very good level. Even the latest achievements are considered a “miracle” because the government has managed to drive faster economic growth without additional budget.
“Especially since we succeeded (in achieving 5.6 percent economic growth) last time. If I may say, it’s a miracle. With the same budget, without additional funds, we can create faster growth,” he stated.
These hopes align with the latest economic achievements. The Central Statistics Agency recorded Indonesia’s economic growth in the first quarter of 2026 at 5.61 percent year-on-year (yoy), an increase from the same period last year at 4.87 percent.
From the expenditure side, household consumption once again became the main pillar with the largest contribution to growth, namely 2.94 percent. BPS Head Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti stated that the public’s purchasing power remaining stable is a key factor.
“Economic growth in the first quarter of 2026 is supported, among other things, by public consumption that remains stable,” said Amalia during a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday (5/5/2026).
Increased public mobility directly impacts sectors such as transportation, trade, and accommodation and food services.
In addition, domestic consumption is strengthened by various government stimuli, ranging from the provision of THR or 14th-month salary, transportation ticket discounts, to interest rate stability.
Several indicators also confirm this trend, such as the growth in domestic tourist trips by 13.14 percent (yoy) and a surge in land transport passengers by up to 20.20 percent (yoy).
Digital economic activities also show an increase, reflected in the rise of e-retail and marketplace transactions as well as the use of electronic money, debit cards, and credit cards.
Beyond household consumption, the investment component reflected in Gross Fixed Capital Formation (PMTB) grew by 5.96 percent, driven by government spending and private investment.
Meanwhile, government consumption surged by 21.81 percent in line with increased realisation of spending, including through the Free Nutritious Meals programme (MBG).