Antara News·Indonesia·Monday, September 14, 2026 at 10:48 AM

New Finance Minister vows to keep Indonesia's deficit below 3 percent

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Aditya Ramadhan, Yashinta Difa

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Newly inaugurated Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara pledged to keep Indonesia's fiscal deficit firmly below the 3-percent statutory cap, framing strict budget discipline and spending efficiency as key pillars of national economic stability.

"The deficit will remain below 3 percent," Suahasil told reporters following his swearing-in ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta on Monday.

He emphasized that maintaining the health and credibility of state financial management is essential to implementing the government's strategic priority programs in a measured and sustainable manner.

According to Suahasil, a credible budget serves as an important policy instrument for driving economic growth while safeguarding national stability.

He said President Prabowo Subianto had instructed the Finance Ministry to uphold accountability and efficiency across all state spending.

Clarifying the directive, Suahasil stressed that spending efficiency should not be interpreted simply as budget cuts, but rather as optimizing expenditure to maximize its impact on the public.

"Efficiency is not just about cutting spending. Efficiency means using existing expenditure to produce maximum output—output that ultimately benefits the community," he explained.

He added that spending efficiency forms part of a comprehensive fiscal strategy covering state revenues, expenditures and financing.

Regarding the Finance Ministry's internal management, Suahasil said he would review and follow up on existing ministerial decisions, including internal organizational arrangements, to ensure a smooth administrative transition.

Suahasil was officially sworn in under Presidential Decree No. 97/P of 2026, succeeding Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa for the remainder of the 2024–2029 cabinet term.

Suahasil had served as deputy finance minister since October 2019 before taking over the top cabinet post.

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