JAKARTA - Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, Indonesia’s finance minister, said the state budget (APBN) deficit reached IDR 240.1 trillion in the first quarter of 2026.

This represents 0.93% of gross domestic product (GDP), higher than the 0.41% deficit ratio recorded in the same period last year.

The deficit reflects a gap between state spending of IDR 815 trillion and revenue collection of IDR 574.9 trillion in the first quarter.

State spending rose 31.4% year on year during the period, while state revenue increased 10.5%.

“When there is a deficit, the public should not be surprised, as our budget is designed to run a deficit,” Purbaya said during a working meeting with Commission XI of the House of Representatives on Monday (6/4).

More specifically, state revenue was supported by tax receipts, which rose 20.7% to IDR 394.8 trillion.

Meanwhile, revenue from customs and excise fell 12.6% to IDR 67.9 trillion, while non-tax state revenue (PNBP) declined 3% to IDR 112.1 trillion.

On the expenditure side, central government spending accounted for the largest share, rising 47.7% to IDR 610.3 trillion. Transfers to regions, however, edged down 1.1% to IDR 204.8 trillion.

“If people ask why spending is now faster, it is because that is exactly our intention. We want spending to be distributed more evenly throughout the year so that its economic impact can be felt more consistently,” Purbaya said.

“This strategy is starting to show results, and the impact on the economy should also improve,” he added. (DK/KR/ZH)