Purbaya States State Budget Deficit Will Be Maintained Below 3 Per Cent
JAKARTA — Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has ensured that additional government budget requirements, including for the defence sector, will continue to be accounted for without disrupting the nation’s fiscal health. This response follows concerns regarding the fiscal space of the State Budget (APBN), which is perceived to be under pressure due to various additional government expenditures.
According to the Minister, all budgetary needs have been calculated with consideration for the target state budget deficit, which is to be maintained below 3 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He emphasised that the government has accounted for various priority programmes, including the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, without sacrificing other development initiatives.
Furthermore, the government has ensured that subsidy spending, including fuel subsidies, remains controlled within the established framework of the state budget. “Everything has been well-calculated, including for the MBG and other programmes, without disrupting other development projects,” he stated.
Purbaya added that budget management is being conducted cautiously to ensure fiscal balance is maintained amidst high government spending needs and global economic uncertainty.
As of the end of March 2026, the State Budget (APBN) recorded a deficit of Rp 240.1 trillion. This figure is equivalent to 0.93 per cent of GDP, approaching the 1 per cent threshold. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa asserted that the performance of the state budget up to the first quarter of 2026 remains stable and measurable in terms of both state revenue and expenditure.
Nevertheless, Purbaya assessed that the fiscal position remains on a controlled path in accordance with the design of the current year’s budget. “Up to March 2026, the state budget appears to be growing expansively; in 2026, state revenue grew by 10 per cent, and customs figures for April are already positive. The deficit stands at 0.93 per cent of GDP,” Purbaya stated during the APBN KiTa press conference at the Ministry of Finance on 5 May 2026.