"I think, the deficit in the revised 2011 state budget will be about two percent. If it is not two percent there would be a 0.1 percent plus-minus range, namely at 1.9 percent or at 2.1 percent," the minister said here on Monday.
The minister was not yet able to estimate the change in the amounts of state revenues and expenditures as a result of the fiscal risks that would take place due to the change in the deficit.
"We are still discussing it, the amounts of revenues and spending would later be calculated with various other aspects. I cannot yet talk about it now," Agus said.
Earlier, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono asked his ministers to be careful in formulating the draft 2012 state budget and not to set a high deficit only to achieve a growth target.
"I have outlined that the budget deficit should be formulated correctly. A balanced budget is better, except if we badly need it for stimulating growth, development financing and the running of the administration," the president said.
The president told his ministers that a decision regarding deficit should be taken to the head of state.
"I should be informed about the decision, it should reach the president. It should not happen that all of a sudden it is agreed by the House so that I could not guarantee the safety of the 2012 state budget," he said.
At present, the government has set a deficit in the 2011 state budget at 1.8 percent or Rp124.7 trillion while in the draft 2012 state budget the government set a deficit of between 1.4 and 1.6 percent.
(Uu.A014/HAJM/S012)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
