Addin Anugrah Siwi, Jakarta – Indonesia's state budget posted a deficit of Rp 54.6 trillion ($3.24 billion) as of Jan. 31, 2026, equivalent to 0.21% of gross domestic product, as government spending outpaced revenue in the first month of the year.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said on Monday that the 2026 state budget (APBN) continues to serve as a shock absorber while supporting economic growth.

"The deficit reached Rp 54.6 trillion or 0.21% of GDP. This figure remains well under control and within the 2026 budget design corridor," Purbaya said during a press conference at the Finance Ministry office in Jakarta.

According to government data, state revenue reached Rp 172.7 trillion, while expenditure stood at Rp 227.3 trillion. On the financing side, the government realized Rp 105.1 trillion as of the end of January. Meanwhile, the primary balance recorded a deficit of Rp 4.2 trillion.

"The primary balance deficit of Rp 4.2 trillion reflects a fiscal position that remains prudently managed. Financing is carried out in a measured and anticipatory manner to safeguard liquidity and financial market stability," he said.

Revenue performance showed solid growth. Tax revenue totaled Rp 138.9 trillion, comprising Rp 116.2 trillion in taxes and Rp 22.6 trillion from customs and excise. Non-tax state revenue (PNBP) contributed Rp 33.9 trillion.

On an annual basis, state revenue grew 9.5%. Tax revenue surged 30.7% compared with the same period last year, while customs and excise contracted 14%.

"January tax revenue grew 30.7%, which signals both an improving economy and better tax collection efficiency," Purbaya said.

On the spending side, total expenditure of Rp 227.3 trillion consisted of Rp 131.9 trillion in central government spending and Rp 95.3 trillion in transfers to regional governments.

Central government spending included Rp 55.8 trillion for ministries and agencies and Rp 76.1 trillion in non-ministry spending.

"State spending rose 25.7% from the same period in 2025. This reflects accelerated government spending at the start of the year, particularly to support priority programs aimed at maintaining purchasing power and driving economic growth in the first quarter of 2026," he said.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/business/state-budget-posts-324-billion-deficit-in-january-within-021-of-gd