Finance Minister Purbaya Responds to Claim that Indonesia Will Collapse in Two Months: It Doesn't Make Sense!
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa appeared annoyed in responding to statements from an economist who frequently claims that Indonesia’s economy will experience a recession in the coming months.
According to him, such statements are not constructive criticism of the government but rather an attempt to create negative sentiment or fear among the public.
“I’m not against criticism, that’s fine. But don’t say things like this: in two months, Indonesia’s economy will collapse. It will be in recession,” said Purbaya at his office in Jakarta on Wednesday (25/3/2026).
Moreover, the sentiment being built is not based on sound economic calculations. Purbaya stated that the economist predicting Indonesia’s economy will collapse in two months is only considering the rise in global oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East.
“The reason is because oil prices will reach $200 per barrel, the rupiah will be tens of thousands, well yes, if oil prices hit $200 per barrel, the whole world will be in recession, so relax, no need to worry,” said Purbaya.
“So the assumption doesn’t make sense. So that’s not a proper economist,” he emphasised.
Purbaya said that if the economist were to properly account for risk factors, they would consider all risk estimates, from historical data to government policies that have been implemented in responding to global pressures.
“Take a look. Even now, America is struggling, right? With just $100, their fuel prices have risen nearly 100%, and the people are starting to get angry. That’s why Trump’s approach is a bit different, right?
Could it reach $150? Then Trump would fall. It’s not us who fall, but over there,” explained Purbaya.
“If we can still manage here. So that’s the calculation. If economists are like that, don’t assume. If you don’t understand, go back to school, especially those professors, they never went to school anyway,” he remarked.