Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Minister of Finance  Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirmed on Wednesday (18/2/2026) that Indonesia’s sovereign debt remains within safe limits despite a nominal increase to Rp 9,637.90 trillion, or 40.46 percent of GDP. 

Speaking in Jakarta, he compared Indonesia’s fiscal standing to regional peers like Malaysia and Thailand, whose debt ratios exceed 60 percent, noting that Indonesia maintains a much stronger position. 

"Our strategy is to maximize the existing deficit to ensure the economy pivots back toward growth," Minister Purbaya said, as cited by antaranews.com.

The Minister highlighted that the 2025 budget deficit was maintained at 2.92 percent, staying below the mandatory 3 percent ceiling. This "smart strategy" involves using fiscal expansion to provide economic stimulus without jeopardizing long-term stability. 

By maintaining this balance, he said that the government aims to protect public purchasing power and sustain growth momentum, ensuring that the national debt remains manageable and productive for the country's ongoing post-disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)