Purbaya Injects Rp100 Trillion into Banks: What Can It Be Used For?

Jakarta, VIVA – Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has stated that the government is adding a placement of excess budget balance (SAL) funds amounting to Rp100 trillion to the banking sector with a more flexible scheme than before.

This policy differs from the previous placement of Rp200 trillion, which had more specific usage directions. This time, the additional funds can be utilised more broadly by the banking sector, including the Association of State-Owned Banks (Himbara) and Regional Development Banks (BPD), to support financing for various economic sectors.

“We’re just giving it to them. This one (Rp100 trillion) is flexible. We’re placing Rp100 trillion there, and they (the banks) can think about it later,” he said in Jakarta on Friday, 27 March 2026.

According to Purbaya, this flexibility is provided because the government still sees the need for additional impetus to maintain the pace of economic growth. With greater freedom in usage, banks are expected to be more aggressive in channelling credit to the public and the business world.

“It can (be used) for anything. Because the Rp200 trillion already has its purpose. This is an additional status that is more flexible because we see there’s still a need for a little push for the economy,” he said.

Previously, the government had placed SAL funds of Rp200 trillion in the banking sector. With this latest addition, the total funds placed amount to around Rp300 trillion.

This step is taken ahead of the Lebaran period, when liquidity needs typically increase along with heightened economic activity among the public. The government wants to ensure that banks have sufficient funds to meet credit demands and transaction needs.

In addition, this policy is also a response to financial market dynamics, particularly the rise in bond yields, which reflect liquidity pressures in the banking sector.

Regarding the evaluation of previous fund distribution, Purbaya assessed that the banking sector’s performance has been generally positive. However, he acknowledged that tracking the flow of funds in detail is challenging because the funds entering the banking system will mix with other funding sources.

“If it’s in the bank reports, it’s good. But it’s like this: when money enters the bank, it mixes, right? They might claim that what they channel to MSMEs is from me, it could be. But some might also go to the central bank. So, when it enters, it’s hard to track,” he explained.