Even though the State Budget is in Deficit, the Defense Budget is Still Prepared, Purbaya: It has been Calculated Well

Jakarta - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa revealed that the government ensured that the defense budget would still be prepared even though the state budget was still in a deficit position. This was conveyed by Minister of Finance Purbaya at Halim Perdanakusumah Air Base, Jakarta, Monday, May 18.

According to Purbaya, all budget needs have been calculated so that the deficit remains below 3 percent of gross domestic product or GDP. Purbaya emphasized that strengthening the defense is still needed amid global uncertainty.

According to Purbaya, the government needs to maintain national defense capabilities. The Minister of Finance Purbaya also said that the government had included budgetary needs in fiscal calculations and did not exceed 3 percent of the deficit.

Purbaya ensures that defense spending does not interfere with other programs. He said that the free nutritious meal program, subsidies, fuel, and other development programs have also been taken into account. Purbaya also responded to criticism that the government's fiscal policy was problematic.

Purbaya said Indonesia's deficit was still under control. Last year, the state budget deficit was at the level of 2.8 percent of GDP. Purbaya also compared Indonesia's debt position with a number of European countries. According to him, Indonesia's debt ratio is still around 40 percent of GDP.