Purbaya: Indonesia's Economy is Strong Despite Criticism Against Me

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has revealed that his performance is currently being criticised by several parties. However, according to him, Indonesia’s economic performance is in a period of steady improvement, with growth rates accelerating towards the government’s target of above 5.4% in 2026. “There are now many negative news stories criticising me, apparently,” said Purbaya while delivering the keynote speech at the Inauguration of the Planned and Periodic Investment Programme (PINTAR) for Mutual Funds and the Opening of Mutual Funds Week 2026, at the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI), on Monday (27/4/2026). He stated that in Q4-2025, Indonesia’s economic growth realisation had reached around 5.39%, up from the previous consistent range of 5%. For Q1-2026, he expressed confidence that Indonesia’s economy would break through the 5.5% level, continuing to 5.7% in Q2-2026. “Amid the unclear global economic turbulence, we have managed to create fairly strong domestic growth. And this will continue going forward,” explained Purbaya. Purbaya assured the public that, as Indonesia’s Finance Minister since 8 September 2025, he knows exactly what needs to be done to maintain the growth trend while ensuring domestic stability. “But I know full well that what we are implementing is no joke. The reforms we are fixing are real reforms; in the first three months, tax growth was up 20%, and it will be even higher later. Customs is also undergoing reform, and we will continue reforming the others quickly,” he stressed.