Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa believes that achieving 8% economic growth will be difficult in the short term. For now, his focus is to ensure the economy can move toward the 6% level.

“Reaching 8% this year may be quite challenging. But within the next two to three years, it could be possible,” said Purbaya at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday (September 8, 2025).

In the first quarter of 2025, the economy grew by 4.87%, and in the second quarter, it rose to 5.12%. However, in the third quarter, growth is expected to slow slightly due to the government’s spending absorption not being fully optimal.

“Our first task is to turn the slowdown into faster growth, aiming at around 6% within a relatively short time. After that, we will build additional measures to push growth even higher,” he explained.

The former Chairman of the LPS Board of Commissioners stated that he would soon hold an internal meeting at the Ministry of Finance, with a special focus on budget absorption.

“In my view, money management is still not fully optimal. We will fix that. Even if the budget is absorbed, we will ensure that the funds do not disrupt our banking system. That’s what we will work on. So there’s no need to worry. We have handled similar situations in 2021, 2020, 2015, 2008, and 2009,” he explained.

“So, don’t be afraid. I was there during all those events,” Purbaya stressed.

He further emphasized that he has sufficient experience to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to him by the President. Having worked as an economist for 25 years, he was also part of the economic teams during the administrations of both President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), including during the difficult period of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“At that time, I was right beside President Jokowi. So if you ask whether I have enough experience, the answer is yes, I know it very well. So, you don’t need to worry,” said Purbaya.

According to him, Indonesia’s main economic strength lies in domestic demand. Meanwhile, global conditions only act as sentiment and should not significantly affect the national economy.

“Our future will be bright. Domestic demand is strong. As long as we manage it properly, we can achieve solid economic growth,” he concluded.