Fitch revised Indonesia's sovereign credit outlook to negative from stable while affirming its long-term foreign currency rating at BBB, maintaining the country's investment-grade status.
Speaking at a semiconductor talent program briefing in Jakarta, Airlangga said the government would study Fitch's assessment and strengthen key economic fundamentals.
He noted that intensifying tensions in the Middle East are increasing global uncertainty, prompting reassessments by international credit rating agencies.
Despite the outlook revision, Airlangga stressed that Indonesia remains in investment-grade territory, reflecting continued confidence in its macroeconomic stability.
He described the report as a reminder to improve structural areas, particularly state revenue collection, to bolster medium-term fiscal resilience.
The government is prioritizing improvements in tax collection through the rollout of the Coretax digital tax administration system, which is expected to raise the tax ratio by enhancing compliance, efficiency and monitoring.
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The Finance Ministry has accelerated implementation of the platform as part of broader fiscal reforms, he added.
Fitch also cited Indonesia's free nutritious meals program, known locally as MBG, in its fiscal assessment.
Airlangga described the initiative as a long-term investment in human capital and health outcomes. Citing studies by the World Bank and the Rockefeller Foundation, he said every US$1 invested in nutrition programs can generate up to US$7 in economic benefits.
Such programs are widely adopted globally, including in the United States, and should be viewed as long-term development strategies rather than short-term fiscal burdens, he said.
Airlangga also addressed Fitch's comments on Danantara, Indonesia's newly established sovereign wealth fund, saying it would take time for the institution to build credibility and establish a track record among global investors.
Fitch said the negative outlook partly reflects rising concerns over policy uncertainty and governance changes, warning that stronger centralization of policymaking could affect fiscal prospects, investor sentiment and Indonesia's external resilience.
However, the BBB rating reflects Indonesia's track record of macroeconomic stability, solid medium-term growth prospects, moderate government debt relative to GDP and adequate foreign-exchange reserves.
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Translator: Bayu S, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Anton Santoso
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