To Maintain Budget Deficit, Government to Implement Efficiency Measures Across Various Ministries
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto stated that the government is continuously strengthening national fiscal resilience amid global dynamics, including rising energy and commodity prices.
This was conveyed after a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Thursday (19/3/2026).
“We are safeguarding the state budget so that the deficit remains below 3 percent and in line with the directives from the Full Cabinet Session, which have been discussed with technical ministries. This is achieved through efficiency measures from various Ministries and Agencies (K/L), and with these efficiencies across K/L, the 3 percent deficit can be maintained,” Airlangga said in a press statement.
One of the efforts to be undertaken is increasing coal production volume through adjustments to the Work Plan and Budget (RKAB).
The government is currently reviewing policy adjustments related to coal export taxes to boost state revenues, in line with the upward trend in commodity prices.
In the energy sector, Airlangga said the government is promoting the acceleration of converting diesel power plants (PLTD) to solar power plants (PLTS) as an efficiency step amid high oil prices.
This mandate has been assigned to the Danantara Investment Management Agency for immediate follow-up.
On that occasion, Airlangga also mentioned that the government is reviewing a work flexibility policy through a one-day Work From Home (WFH) scheme in every five working days.
“There are savings in terms of mobility usage; the fuel savings are quite significant, one-fifth of what we usually spend,” Airlangga explained.
The government is currently refining the technical aspects of implementing this policy.
The implementation of WFH is expected not only to apply to Civil Servants (ASN) but also to be adopted by the private sector and regional governments.
The plan for this policy’s implementation is scheduled to begin after Eid al-Fitr 2026.
However, the exact timing of its execution will still be determined further.
“We’ll see the situation later. The oil price situation, the war situation. We’ll follow the developing circumstances,” Airlangga concluded.
These various measures reflect the government’s adaptive and measured response in maintaining economic stability, while strengthening the direction towards energy independence and national resilience.