Finance Ministry Highlights World Bank's Inaccurate Prediction on Indonesia's Economy

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu) states that the World Bank’s estimate for Indonesia’s economic growth in 2026 is far below the government’s achievements. The World Bank has slashed its projection for Indonesia’s growth to just 4.7% in 2026, down from the October 2025 forecast of 4.8%. “Their estimate is clearly far below ours,” said Febrio Kacaribu, Director General of the Directorate General of Economic and Fiscal Strategy (DJSEF) at the Ministry of Finance, when met at the Government Communication Agency office in Jakarta on Thursday (9/4/2026). Febrio then alluded to the World Bank’s projection that predicted Indonesia’s economic growth at only 4.8%. However, Indonesia’s economic growth actually reached 5.1%. Therefore, Febrio feels there is no need to take issue with the World Bank’s statement projecting a slowdown in Indonesia’s economic growth in 2026. “Last year, remember, they said 4.8%, but we achieved 5.1%,” said Febrio. According to him, the World Bank needs stories or reports for investors. Therefore, the government is pleased that Indonesia’s economy is being monitored by the international financial institution. “We are glad that the World Bank, along with other investors, is very keen to monitor Indonesia’s economy, and we can deliver, which is good news for investors,” Febrio stated. It is known that the World Bank predicts that economic growth in several Asian countries, including Indonesia, in 2026 will slow down. Nevertheless, rising energy costs are assessed to be offset by export revenues. In response to the World Bank’s projection, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa delivered strong criticism. According to him, the World Bank’s action triggers negative sentiment towards Indonesia. “But he has already committed a great sin. He has caused negative sentiment towards us. I’ll wait for their apology when oil prices return to normal levels. If they change their economic predictions again,” said Purbaya at the Ministry of Finance on Thursday.