Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa is optimistic that the 2026 state budget deficit can be controlled due to January tax revenue growth of 30.8 percent. This achievement reached Rp116.2 trillion, or 4.9 percent of the budget target. The government's strategy emphasizes economic stimulus over tax rate increases.
Jakarta, February 12, 2026 – Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa expressed confidence that the 2026 State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) deficit will be under control, supported by January tax revenue growth of 30.8 percent year-on-year. "In January, tax grew 30 percent compared to last January. If we maintain 30 percent growth, that alone would exceed the APBN target, and the deficit would decrease," Purbaya said in the Sudirman area, South Jakarta, and at the Economic Outlook 2026 event.
January tax revenue reached Rp116.2 trillion, equivalent to 4.9 percent of the 2026 APBN target of Rp2,357.7 trillion. Overall, state revenue as of January 31, 2026, was recorded at Rp172.7 trillion, up 9.8 percent from Rp157.3 trillion in the same period last year, or 5.5 percent of the APBN target of Rp3,153.6 trillion.
Purbaya's strategy emphasizes boosting national economic growth rather than adjusting tax rates. He delayed the implementation of digital tax and excise on packaged sweetened beverages (MBDK) to avoid additional burdens during economic slowdowns. "I didn't raise tax rates, I postponed the digital tax first, and also postponed the MBDK excise, because I know when the economy falls, the government shouldn't strangle the economy; it should provide stimulus," he stated.
Other efforts include injecting funds into banking to enhance liquidity and the real sector, encouraging faster regional government spending, and resolving business obstacles. Additionally, internal reforms at the Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) and Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) aim to prevent revenue leaks. "So, a faster economy is my capital to control revenue, tax ratio, and budget deficit," added Purbaya, former Chairman of the Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).
