Finance Minister Purbaya Reveals State Budget Deficit of Rp240.1 Trillion as of March 2026

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has announced that the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) experienced a deficit of Rp240.1 trillion by the end of the first quarter of 2026, equivalent to 0.93% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Purbaya explained that this situation was caused by the realisation of state spending exceeding revenues. State revenues grew to Rp574.9 trillion, or 10.5% year-on-year (yoy). This increase was particularly supported by tax receipts amounting to Rp394.8 trillion, which surged 20.7%. Customs and excise receipts were recorded at Rp67.9 trillion, while non-tax state revenues (PNBP) stood at Rp112.1 trillion, experiencing a 3% decline compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, state spending jumped 31.4% year-on-year to Rp815 trillion. Regarding this condition, Purbaya urged the public not to be surprised. He stated that the APBN structure is indeed designed with a deficit scheme from the outset. “So when there is a deficit, ladies and gentlemen, don’t be surprised. Our budget is indeed designed with a deficit. If I spend more evenly throughout the year, the first quarter now should have a larger deficit compared to last year’s quarter,” Purbaya said during a working meeting with Commission XI of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) at the Parliamentary Complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Monday, 6 April 2026. Nevertheless, Purbaya emphasised that this deficit remains under control. He noted that the deficit occurring at the beginning of the year is a common phenomenon. “That’s something normal, but clearly we will continue to monitor throughout the year what the revenues and expenditures will be like. So we are very cautious in considering this,” he concluded.