Rama Sukarta, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has instructed his cabinet to be more open with the public and financial markets to restore investor confidence in Indonesia's economy, following a recent downgrade in the country's credit outlook by Moody's Ratings.

On Feb. 5, Moody's affirmed Indonesia's sovereign credit rating at Baa2 but revised its outlook to negative from stable, citing concerns over fiscal pressures and policy challenges. The move drew attention from investors and economists, even as Indonesia retains its investment-grade status.

Chief Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto said the president's directive was aimed at strengthening communication with market participants and international stakeholders, rather than responding to any single rating action.

"Under the president's guidance, ministers are expected to be open to the public and to stakeholders in the capital markets, the broader economy, universities, the media, and foreign embassies," Airlangga told reporters after the Indonesia Economy Outlook 2026 forum in Jakarta on Friday.

Airlangga also said the government has not yet held direct discussions with Moody's regarding the outlook revision. He rejected suggestions that the Indonesia Economy Outlook 2026 event was organized specifically to counter negative assessments by credit rating agencies, including S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings, which were reported to have attended the forum.

"This forum is not a special response," he said, adding that Indonesia's investment minister is planning overseas roadshows to meet investors and other stakeholders.

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Despite the outlook downgrade, Airlangga stressed that the government remains open to transparent dialogue with investors and international institutions. He said officials are prepared to explain Indonesia's economic fundamentals, fiscal ratios, and policy direction in detail.

The Indonesia Economy Outlook 2026 forum served as a platform for the government to outline its economic priorities for the coming year and to reinforce engagement with investors, academics, and representatives of foreign governments, as Jakarta seeks to reassure markets amid heightened scrutiny of its fiscal and growth outlook.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/business/prabowo-orders-ministers-to-engage-markets-as-moodys-turns-cautiou