Purbaya Confirms 5.61% Economic Growth Is More Than Just Numbers on Paper

JAKARTA, CNBC Indonesia — Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stressed that the economy’s 5.61% growth in Q1 2026 — the highest since Q3 2022 — is not merely a theoretical figure. He affirmed the accelerated growth reflects genuine economic activity, citing data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS).

“I casually visited markets, not for leisure, but to check consumer spending — it’s busy everywhere,” Purbaya stated at the Directorate General of Taxes headquarters in Jakarta on Wednesday (27 May 2026).

Supporting data includes a 55% surge in car sales and 28.1% growth in motorcycle sales post-Lebaran, alongside rapid increases in fuel consumption for transport and industry. Retail fuel rose 11.9%, industrial fuel 17%, and total fuel consumption up 13% in Q1.

Electricity sales also grew strongly at 19%, indicating rising household, business, and industrial demand. Domestic cement consumption, supporting infrastructure projects, hit 35.6% growth in April 2026.

“Purchasing power, car and motorcycle sales, cement, and electricity usage don’t automatically equal GDP, but they serve as checkpoints to verify the figures. When all these indicators surge, it confirms the growth,” Purbaya said.

He personally verified grassroots economic activity, noting bustling malls and traditional markets in Jogja, Surabaya, Bandung, and Jakarta. “While some areas may be quiet — especially late at night — the economy isn’t yet 100% perfect. We’re just beginning to recover from slow growth to faster expansion. It will take time to distribute economic activity evenly,” he added.