'Too much too quickly': Indonesia's growth ambitions questioned by economists

Indonesia has set an ambitious growth target, but economists aren't sure it can get there while keeping the deficit in check.

'Too much too quickly': Indonesia's growth ambitions questioned by economists

TL;DR

  • Indonesia targets 6% economic growth in 2027, aiming to keep the fiscal deficit at 2.4% of GDP.
  • Economists consider these targets ambitious and potentially unrealistic, citing concerns about fiscal spending and global economic factors.
  • MSCI is reviewing Indonesia for a potential downgrade to a frontier market, adding to investor concerns.
  • Key challenges include maintaining purchasing power amid high online lending rates and potential impacts from China's slowdown.
  • Proposed solutions involve investment-led reforms, supply-side focus, infrastructure spending, and attracting foreign investment, particularly in solar energy.
  • The Iran conflict poses a risk to the budget if oil prices rise, potentially straining the pledge to keep subsidized fuel prices unchanged.