Finance Minister Purbaya Tells STAN Students: State Budget Is Not Just a Table

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has reminded students that the State Budget (APBN) is not merely a table of figures but a representation of how the state is present in people’s lives. Speaking at the peak of the 11th Dies Natalis of the State Finance Polytechnic (PKN) STAN in South Tangerang on Friday, he noted that Indonesia’s competitiveness amidst global change is determined not only by natural resource wealth but also by human resource quality, governance, and the integrity of state apparatus. “The world is changing and it does not wait for us to be ready. The question is no longer whether we are affected. The question is whether we are quick enough to read the direction of change, disciplined enough to safeguard the APBN, and brave enough to improve governance,” Purbaya said. He stressed that fiscal management must act as a catalyst for the private sector, which is the main engine of economic growth, by maintaining deficit discipline, debt sustainability, and optimising state cash management. Addressing the students, he said their future roles would determine Indonesia’s ability to compete globally, highlighting that clean customs and tax services and streamlined policies directly influence national competitiveness. Purbaya concluded by urging the students to pair their knowledge with strong character, stating that while systems can be built and technology purchased, integrity must be guarded from the start, especially when no one is watching.