Purbaya to IMF Chief: We Have a Substantial Buffer of Rp 420 Trillion

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa responded to concerns raised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding persistent global uncertainties expected to continue in the coming period. This was conveyed by Purbaya during a meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. Previously, Georgieva had forecasted that global uncertainties would persist, driven among other factors by geopolitical tensions and energy price dynamics. The IMF, according to Georgieva, lacks the authority to reduce global uncertainty levels but is preparing financial support for any countries in need of assistance. In response, Purbaya explained that Indonesia has adequate fiscal buffers. “Of course, Indonesia does not need (assistance), because our budget is in good shape and we still have a substantial buffer of Rp 420 trillion,” Purbaya stated, as quoted from Antara. In a press statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, Purbaya revealed that the IMF is paying attention to Indonesia’s ability to withstand the current global uncertainties. He also explained that the Indonesian Government has adopted strategic manoeuvres by shifting fiscal policy directions since the end of last year, the impacts of which are already visible in the current economy. These strategic changes have enabled Indonesia to respond better to pressures, including when global oil prices surged. “She (Kristalina Georgieva) seems pleased with the situation,” Purbaya said. Although the IMF does not formulate specific policies to alleviate global pressures, according to Purbaya, the institution will announce countries that are able to maintain strong performance. Regarding this, Purbaya is optimistic that doubts about Indonesia’s fiscal policies have subsided. In addition to the IMF, Purbaya also held strategic meetings with World Bank executives and representatives from international rating agencies such as S&P Global Ratings. These global institutions, he said, appreciate the direction of Indonesia’s fiscal policy strategy under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto. The World Bank has expressed interest in deepening cooperation with Indonesia, particularly in supporting long-term development, poverty alleviation, and financing strategic projects in developing countries.