Purbaya confident economy will grow above 5.5 percent in second semester

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa is confident that national economic growth can surpass the 5.5 percent level in the third and fourth quarters of 2026. “(Quarter) III and IV will be above 5.5 percent. I am pushing towards 6 percent,” Purbaya told reporters at the Ministry of Finance office in Jakarta on Tuesday. To achieve this target, Purbaya will continue his strategy of promoting the real sector. One initiative he is preparing is a stimulus for the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs). Currently, the government is finalising the incentive scheme for this. The electric vehicle stimulus being prepared targets 100,000 electric cars and 100,000 electric motorcycles respectively. The VAT exemption incentive is specifically for EVs, excluding hybrid vehicles. The amount of the incentive will be determined based on the battery used, divided into nickel and non-nickel batteries. Purbaya aims to implement the electric vehicle incentives, both for electric motorcycles and electric cars, starting in June 2026. On the other hand, the state treasurer will also summon export-oriented business players such as those in textiles, furniture, and footwear. Purbaya plans to invite them to discuss the financing access needed by the industry. The state treasurer is also preparing other manoeuvres to ensure the private sector operates optimally. In addition to the stimulus, he said, injecting funds into banking will be a driving engine he relies on, as this strategy encourages banks to channel financing to the real sector. “Moreover, now the banks have Danantara. One command, right? If necessary, we propose policies in that direction. But that’s not all. What I am doing is not forcing the banks to lend, but I will ensure the invisible hand works in the financial sector,” he stated.