Sri Mulyani: Natural Resources Contribute Importantly To State Revenue

JAKARTA - Minister of Finance, Sri Mulyani, stated that the contribution of the natural resource sector (SDA) is very important in supporting the Indonesian economy in the midst of continuing uncertainty due to current global pressures.

According to her, the increase in commodity prices, especially those from the natural resources sector, has given Indonesia its own advantages. This is because the export of Indonesian coal and palm oil commodities has also boosted the coffers of state revenues.

"As we all know, in a situation where commodity prices are soaring like the current contribution and contribution of natural resources to state revenues, it is very important and reliable", she said through a digital channel on Wednesday, August 3.

The Minister of Finance explained that throughout the 2021 period, non-tax state revenues (PNBP) from natural resources reached IDR 149.5 trillion. This figure is up 53 percent compared to 2020.

"Meanwhile, in the first semester of 2022, PNBP originating from natural resources recorded an extraordinary record, namely IDR 114.6 trillion. This is an even higher increase than last year, which grew by 53 percent", she said.

Based on this score, the Minister of Finance revealed that the government projects that non-tax state revenues from the natural resources sector in 2022 will exceed the realization in 2021 and also exceed the target set by the State Budget (APBN) this year, as well as the revised target, is increased.

"This illustrates that commodities have a strategic role, where Indonesia has very important natural resources", she said.

For information, the windfall blessing received by Indonesia in the last two years from trading in natural resources commodities was then optimized to increase the subsidy budget for the community, especially in the energy sector.

This step is intended to maintain purchasing power while at the same time restraining the inflation rate so that the prospect of national economic recovery can run smoothly. Although the inflation target has exceeded the limits set by the government, the rate of increase is relatively maintained when compared to other countries.

This condition then made Bank Indonesia choose to maintain the benchmark interest rate in the hope that it would not burden bank lending rates so that the business sector could continue to expand its business.