Purbaya Finally Holds APBN KiTa Event in March 2026, Deficit Approaches 1 Percent of GDP

The Ministry of Finance recorded that the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) experienced a deficit of Rp 240.1 trillion by the end of March 2026. This figure is equivalent to 0.93 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), approaching the 1 percent threshold. Nevertheless, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa assessed that the fiscal position remains on a controlled path in line with the design of the current year’s APBN. “By March 2026, the APBN is growing expansively; viewed from 2026 state revenues growing 10 percent, the April customs figures are already positive. The surplus reaches a deficit of 240.1, 0.93 percent of GDP,” said Purbaya at the APBN KiTa press conference at the Ministry of Finance on 5 May 2026. Purbaya was also pleased to learn of the first-quarter economic growth for 2026 announced by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), which stood at 5.61 percent year-on-year (YoY). Purbaya acknowledged that despite being filled with global uncertainties, the economic growth shows good data. It also indicates faster growth than the previous fourth quarter of 2025 at 5.39 percent. On the revenue side, state revenue realisation was recorded at Rp 574.9 trillion or 18.2 percent of the APBN target. This revenue is still dominated by the tax sector, which serves as the backbone of the state coffers. Tax revenue was recorded at Rp 462.7 trillion or 17.2 percent of the target. The breakdown includes tax receipts of Rp 394.8 trillion or 16.7 percent, while customs and excise contributed Rp 67.9 trillion or 20.2 percent. On the other hand, state expenditure was recorded higher than revenue, thus driving the formation of the deficit. By the end of March, state expenditure realisation reached Rp 815 trillion or 21.2 percent of the APBN ceiling. This expenditure consists of central government spending of Rp 610.4 trillion or 19.4 percent, as well as transfers to regions of Rp 208.4 trillion or 29.5 percent.