Indonesia’s Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has offered a reassuring outlook for the nation’s youth, urging them not to be concerned about finding employment after graduation. He anticipates a significant increase in job availability, attributing this positive trend to robust fiscal management and a promising economic trajectory.
The Minister outlined ambitious plans for economic growth, targeting a strong 6 percent expansion beginning in the first quarter of 2026. This growth is projected to be fueled by substantial government spending, amounting to IDR 89 trillion. Purbaya expressed confidence that this impressive growth rate could be sustained throughout that year.
“If you want to know about the next 10 years, we appear to be entering a period of healthy expansion. We can continue this expansion until 2033,” Purbaya stated during a press conference at Wisma Danantara, as quoted on Saturday, February 14th. This forward-looking projection underscores the government’s commitment to long-term economic stability and development.
With such a positive long-term vision, Purbaya is confident that job opportunities will continue to proliferate across the country. He emphasized that this surge in employment is contingent upon the consistent application of sound and prudent fiscal management, ensuring the sustainability of economic progress.
“This means there’s no need to worry, especially for young people who fear finding work after graduation; more job opportunities will be created in the months and years ahead. All of this is executed with good, prudent fiscal management,” Purbaya reiterated, reinforcing his message of optimism and strategic planning for future generations.
To underpin this sustainable growth, Purbaya assured the public that the budget deficit would remain well within control, never exceeding 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Furthermore, the national debt ratio is carefully managed to maintain a stable and healthy position.
He elaborated on the government’s approach: “We will spend optimally, but without violating the 3 percent GDP deficit ratio, and our debt will be maintained at a stable level, perhaps even decreasing. I believe that when the economy improves with strong tax and customs revenues, our debt can be gradually reduced.” This strategic approach highlights a balance between stimulating growth and maintaining fiscal discipline.
Adding to the government’s comprehensive strategy for job creation, Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) highlighted the impactful Desa Merah Putih Cooperative program. By January 2026, an impressive 30,000 units of these cooperatives will have been established, significantly contributing to local economies.
Zulhas further explained that these ‘Kopdes’ (village cooperatives) serve as vital offtakers for community businesses, projected to absorb approximately 600,000 workers by January 2026. These cooperatives play a crucial role in empowering and supporting the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating within villages, fostering grassroots economic development.
Ultimately, Zulhas affirmed that Indonesia is well-positioned to not only meet but surpass the 2026 state budget’s economic growth target of 5.4 percent. He expressed strong confidence that with the implementation of various government flagship programs, the nation can achieve the ambitious 6 percent growth rate, solidifying its path towards sustained prosperity and widespread employment.
Summary
Indonesia’s Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has assured the youth about future job availability, projecting significant economic growth starting with a 6 percent expansion in the first quarter of 2026. This growth, supported by IDR 89 trillion in government spending, is expected to create numerous opportunities and continue a healthy expansion until 2033. He affirmed that this will be achieved through sound fiscal management, keeping the budget deficit below 3 percent of GDP and maintaining a stable national debt ratio.
Complementing this, Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan outlined the Desa Merah Putih Cooperative program, which aims to establish 30,000 units by January 2026. These cooperatives are projected to absorb approximately 600,000 workers by acting as off-takers for community businesses. With these combined strategies, Indonesia is confident in surpassing its 2026 economic growth target to reach an ambitious 6 percent.