IMF Chief Prepares Funding Aid for Crisis-Hit Countries, Purbaya Responds Thus!

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa revealed the outcomes of his meeting with the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, during the IMF Spring Meetings in Washington DC, United States.

One of the main topics discussed was the IMF’s approach to addressing the still-high global uncertainties.

Purbaya stated that Kristalina assessed the world would continue to be overshadowed by turbulence in the coming period. Uncertainties are triggered by highly dynamic geopolitical conflicts to ongoing developing global economic pressures.

“Mrs Kristalina explained that global uncertainties will remain high in the coming period. The war’s outcome is also unclear. So we will face uncertainties,” Purbaya said in an official statement quoted on Thursday (16/4/2026).

In addition, Purbaya said he also asked whether the IMF has specific policies to help mitigate the current global uncertainties.

In response to the question, Kristalina explained that the IMF does not have direct authority to stop global turbulence. However, the IMF is ready to provide funding facilities for countries that need assistance during crises.

“Clearly, I asked her if there is a specific IMF policy to help reduce uncertainties,” Purbaya clarified.

“Yes, she said the IMF does not have the authority to do that, but they provide aid funds for countries that need it,” he added.

Nevertheless, Purbaya emphasised that Indonesia currently does not need such assistance. According to him, the domestic economic conditions are still sufficiently strong, and the government has adequate fiscal space to face global pressures.

“Of course, Indonesia does not need it because our country is doing quite well, and we still have a large buffer, namely Rp420 trillion as I mentioned earlier,” he said.

The IMF even questioned how Indonesia has managed to remain solid amid the not-easy situation. Purbaya responded that this resilience is the result of policy changes implemented by the government since last year.

These policy reforms are seen as making Indonesia’s economy more prepared to face external shocks.

“Why can we endure in the midst of the global situation like this? But I explained that we have indeed changed policies since last year, and it seems clear. So we are experiencing acceleration when facing shocks from global uncertainties, from high oil prices. Thus, we can absorb the shocks that occur,” he said.