JurnalPost.com - The State Budget (APBN) is often perceived merely as a collection of revenue, expenditure, and deficit figures. In reality, behind these numbers lie various activities that directly and indirectly shape the lives of the public.
When the government builds infrastructure, pays for education benefits, provides subsidies, distributes social assistance, funds healthcare services, or ensures the provision of nutritious meals for the community, the APBN is at the heart of these efforts.
Entering the second half of 2026, economic challenges have not fully subsided. The global economy continues to grapple with geopolitical dynamics, shifting interest rate policies in developed nations, energy price volatility, and exchange rate fluctuations.
In such a climate, the APBN serves not only as an instrument for government financing but also as a vital buffer for the national economy.
The September 2026 edition of APBN KiTa shows that as of August 31, 2026, Indonesia's fiscal performance remains well-maintained. State revenue reached Rp2,055.6 trillion, or 65.2 percent of the target, while state expenditure reached Rp2,295.7 trillion, or 59.7 percent of the ceiling.
Consequently, the APBN deficit was recorded at Rp240.1 trillion, or 0.93 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). At the same time, the primary balance remained in a surplus of Rp154.0 trillion.
These figures convey a crucial message: through August 2026, the APBN has continued to fulfill its primary functions of supporting economic growth while providing protection to the public.
Indonesia's Economy Continues to Grow Amidst Global Uncertainty
The performance of the APBN cannot be separated from the state of the national economy. According to the September 2026 APBN KiTa, Indonesia's economic growth in the first semester of 2026 reached 5.45 percent cumulative to cumulative (ctc).
This growth demonstrates that domestic economic activity remains resilient despite changing global conditions.
Domestic demand has been a key pillar. Consumer activity remains steady, while investment and government spending continue to provide support for economic activities.
Regarding prices, inflation in August 2026 was recorded at 3.19 percent year-on-year. This figure remains within the established inflation target range.
Price stability is a critical factor, as controlled inflation helps maintain public purchasing power while providing room for economic activity to continue expanding.
However, this stability does not mean Indonesia is free from risk. Fluctuations in the rupiah exchange rate, global oil prices, global interest rates, and geopolitical developments must continue to be monitored.
Therefore, the APBN must be managed adaptively to respond to changes without compromising fiscal sustainability.
State Revenue: Economic Activity as the Primary Source of Fiscal Strength
As of August 31, 2026, state revenue reached Rp2,055.6 trillion, or 65.2 percent of the APBN target.
This revenue primarily stems from taxes, customs and excise, and Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP).
Tax revenue reached Rp1,409.0 trillion, or 59.8 percent of the target. In the APBN KiTa, the growth in tax revenue is linked to increased economic activity and the improved implementation of the Coretax system.
Non-oil and gas income tax, VAT, and luxury goods sales tax (PPnBM) constitute significant portions of this tax revenue.
Looking deeper, tax revenue is not merely a matter of tax administration. Fundamentally, tax revenue reflects the economic activity occurring within society.
When companies record profits, individuals earn income, consumption increases, and economic transactions expand, there is a fiscal consequence in the form of tax revenue.
In other words, state revenue and economic activity are intrinsically linked. A growing economy provides the revenue base for the state.
Conversely, this revenue is then channeled back through state spending to support economic activities and public services.
In addition to taxes, customs and excise revenue through the end of August reached Rp210.2 trillion, or 62.6 percent of the APBN target.
This revenue grew cumulatively, influenced by the performance of excise, import duties, and export duties.
Meanwhile, PNBP reached Rp435.1 trillion, or 94.8 percent of the APBN target. PNBP achievements include revenue from natural resources, ministry/agency income, Public Service Agencies, and separated state assets.
The high realization of PNBP shows that state revenue sources are not limited to taxation. The management of natural resources, public services, and the management of state assets and wealth also contribute to the government's fiscal capacity.
State Expenditure: When APBN Figures Become Tangible Programs
Ultimately, state revenue must return to the public through state expenditure.
As of August 31, 2026, state expenditure reached Rp2,295.7 trillion, or 59.7 percent of the APBN ceiling. This realization grew by 17.1 percent compared to the same period the previous year.
Central government expenditure reached Rp1,791.5 trillion. This includes ministry/agency spending of Rp912.4 trillion and non-ministry/agency spending of Rp879.1 trillion.
Ministry/agency spending showed a significant increase. The realization was used to execute various government programs, ranging from social protection, education, health, and infrastructure, to the Free Nutritious Meal Program.
In the field of social protection, for example, as of August 2026, the government had realized Rp21.0 trillion for the Family Hope Program (PKH), which reaches approximately 10 million beneficiary families.
The Staple Food Card (Kartu Sembako) has seen a realization of Rp27.6 trillion for approximately 17.6 million beneficiary families. Meanwhile, PBI JKN reached Rp30.9 trillion for 96.7 million participants.
Support is also provided through the education sector. The Indonesia Smart Program (PIP) has seen a realization of Rp10.7 trillion for approximately 15.6 million students, while the Indonesia Smart College Card (KIP Kuliah) reached Rp9.7 trillion for approximately 954 thousand students.
These figures demonstrate that APBN spending does not stop at the budget disbursement process.
Behind every rupiah spent, there are beneficiaries expected to gain better access to education, health, social protection, and basic needs.
Free Nutritious Meals: From Budget to Service for the Community
One program receiving significant attention in the 2026 APBN is the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program.
As of August 31, 2026, the realization for the implementation of this program reached Rp134.2 trillion.
In August, the MBG program reached approximately 57 million beneficiaries through 27,485 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG).
The magnitude of this figure shows the broad scale of the program. However, the success of the program cannot be measured solely by the size of the budget or the number of recipients.
Equally important is how the budget is translated into services that are safe, well-targeted, and provide tangible benefits.
Therefore, the APBN KiTa also notes reforms in the implementation of the MBG, including the requirement for SPPGs to possess a Hygiene and Sanitation Feasibility Certificate (SLHS), the structuring of SPPGs, and the refinement of mechanisms for determining beneficiaries.
This shows that APBN management does not stop at the question of how much budget has been used. The quality of implementation and the impact of the programs are also essential parts of state financial management.
Subsidies and Compensation: The APBN as a Purchasing Power Buffer
Amidst changes in global energy prices, the public often does not directly feel the full impact of price changes occurring in the global market.
One reason for this is the government's subsidy and compensation policy.
As of August 31, 2026, the realization of subsidies and compensation reached Rp331.4 trillion, or 74.2 percent of the APBN ceiling.
This realization is influenced by factors such as changes in the price of Indonesian crude oil, the rupiah exchange rate, and the consumption volume of subsidized fuel, LPG, electricity, and fertilizer.
In this context, the APBN acts as a shock absorber. When external pressures arise, the government has fiscal instruments to help mitigate their impact on the public.
However, this function also carries challenges. Energy subsidies are heavily influenced by factors outside the government's direct control, such as global oil prices and exchange rates.
Therefore, subsidy management must continue to consider targeting accuracy, fiscal capacity, and budget sustainability.
Transfers to Regions: The APBN Present at the Local Level
The APBN also operates through Transfers to Regions (TKD).
As of the end of August 2026, the realization of TKD reached Rp504.3 trillion, or 72.8 percent of the ceiling.
These transfers are significant because most public services experienced by the public take place at the regional level.
Education, health, roads, water supply, and various basic services require regional fiscal support.
The APBN KiTa notes that TKD supports the salary payments of approximately 4.3 million regional civil servants, School Operational Assistance (BOS) for approximately 42.3 million students, Early Childhood Education Operational Assistance (BOP) for approximately 5.8 million students, allowances for approximately 616 thousand teachers, service strengthening at 50 regional public hospitals (RSUD), and the handling of approximately 285.2 kilometers of roads.
Thus, the relationship between the APBN and the regional budget (APBD) is actually very close.
Transfers from the central government help regional governments provide public services that directly touch the lives of the community.
Deficit is Not Merely a Matter of Shortfall
One of the figures that most often draws attention when discussing the APBN is the deficit.
As of the end of August 2026, the APBN deficit was recorded at Rp240.1 trillion, or 0.93 percent of GDP. At the same time, the primary balance recorded a surplus of Rp154.0 trillion.
A deficit occurs when state expenditure is greater than state revenue.
In APBN management, this condition does not merely indicate a revenue shortfall. The deficit is also part of the fiscal policy design when the government uses the budget to maintain economic activity, protect the public, and finance development.
What is important is how the deficit is managed and financed cautiously.
As of August 2026, net debt financing was recorded at Rp506.0 trillion, or 60.8 percent of the APBN.
The government states that financing management is carried out in a prudent and measurable manner, considering liquidity needs, cost of funds, risks, and financial market conditions.
On the other hand, investment financing has reached Rp62.6 trillion.
Some of its uses include the procurement of rice and grain reserves through Perum Bulog, the Education Endowment Fund through LPDP, the FLPP Program, land acquisition for National Strategic Projects, regional loans, and disaster management.
This shows that APBN financing is not only used to cover the gap between revenue and expenditure but is also directed toward supporting investments and development needs that have long-term benefits.
Maintaining the APBN, Maintaining Trust
Managing the APBN is fundamentally about managing trust.
The public entrusts a portion of their economic resources to the state through taxes and other revenues. The government then has the responsibility to manage them transparently, effectively, and responsibly.
Performance through August 2026 shows that fiscal space continues to be used to drive economic activity and provide protection to the public.
At the same time, the deficit remains at a level of 0.93 percent of GDP, and the primary balance is in a surplus position.
This condition is important because fiscal credibility is determined not only by how much the government spends but also by the ability to maintain a balance between current development needs and future fiscal sustainability.
The September 2026 APBN provides a picture that the state budget continues to move in accordance with the needs of the economy and the public.
State revenue has reached Rp2,055.6 trillion. State expenditure has reached Rp2,295.7 trillion. The deficit is recorded at Rp240.1 trillion, or 0.93 percent of GDP, while the primary balance recorded a surplus of Rp154.0 trillion.
On the expenditure side, social protection, subsidies and compensation, the Free Nutritious Meal Program, transfers to regions, education, health, and infrastructure development continue to receive budget support.
In the midst of a world still full of uncertainty, the APBN is required to perform several functions simultaneously: maintaining stability, driving growth, protecting the public, and supporting development.
The challenge ahead is not only how to increase revenue and accelerate spending, but also how to ensure that every rupiah of the APBN provides greater benefits to the public.
Ultimately, the APBN is not just a collection of numbers in a state document.
The APBN is a reflection of how the state collects resources, determines priorities, and returns them to the public in the form of services, protection, development, and opportunities to grow.
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