Finance Minister Suahasil Explains How to Keep APBN Credible: Avoid Overpromising

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara emphasized the crucial role of inter-agency synergy in maintaining the credibility of managing the State Budget (APBN).

He stated that credible APBN management is not only built through synergy within the Ministry of Finance but also requires collaboration with other ministries, agencies, and financial sector managers.

"We don’t want to create expectations that complicate the management of our own fiscal policies," Suahasil said during the APBN KiTa press conference at the Ministry of Finance office in Central Jakarta on Friday (18/9/2026).

Suahasil explained that credibility in managing the APBN is demonstrated in part by the Ministry of Finance’s ability to conduct budget management as a unified synergy.

According to him, this synergy needs to be extended by involving several other institutions.

These include ministries and agencies, as well as financial sector managers such as Bank Indonesia, the Financial Services Authority (OJK), and the Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS). Such synergy is also necessary within the Financial System Stability Committee (KSSK) context, including with Danantara as Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund.

He said the credibility of state management must be built on a solid foundation.

Therefore, all parties involved in state financial management must coordinate effectively. "The credibility of managing this republic is built on foundations that must be sufficiently sturdy," he stated.

Suahasil then underscored the main goal of APBN management, which is to ensure that the state budget can fulfill its function to drive growth while providing protection to the public.

According to him, the APBN must also remain healthy and credible.

To maintain this, the government will strengthen revenue streams, implement spending efficiencies, and manage deficits carefully.

"The APBN must remain healthy and credible. Managed well, with strengthened revenues, optimized spending, and carefully controlled deficits," he said.

Suahasil added that the Ministry of Finance will continue to provide regular updates on APBN management through monthly APBN KiTa press conferences.

He also plans to have echelon I officials from the Ministry provide more detailed explanations regarding policy and fiscal management developments between these monthly briefings.

Amid global and domestic economic conditions, Suahasil stressed that Indonesia’s economy remains resilient. He assured that fiscal policy will continue to maintain the APBN’s function in supporting economic growth and providing protection.

"Indonesia’s economy is resilient, and fiscal policy will keep working to ensure the APBN fosters growth, offers protection, and maintains credibility," Suahasil said.