Indonesia: 2019 Article IV Consultation—Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Indonesia

2019 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Indonesia

Abstract

2019 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Indonesia

Overview

1. The Indonesian economy performed well in 2018, despite external headwinds. Tighter global financial conditions in 2018 resulted in episodes of exchange rate pressures and capital outflows from Indonesia, which was relatively hard hit compared to other emerging markets in Asia (Figure 1). External pressures have moderated since October 2018 and inflows have resumed, although considerable volatility remains, including from heightened trade tensions. Faced with external headwinds, policy flexibility supported a positive macroeconomic performance in 2018—growth stabilized at above 5 percent and inflation was moderate at around 3 percent.

Figure 1.
Figure 1.

Indonesia and Emerging Markets: Recent Developments

Citation: IMF Staff Country Reports 2019, 250; 10.5089/9781513509129.002.A001

Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.

Indonesia: Macrofinancial Developments

Citation: IMF Staff Country Reports 2019, 250; 10.5089/9781513509129.002.A001

Figure 3.
Figure 3.

Indonesia: Recent Market Developments

Citation: IMF Staff Country Reports 2019, 250; 10.5089/9781513509129.002.A001

Figure 4.
Figure 4.

Indonesia: Real Sector

Citation: IMF Staff Country Reports 2019, 250; 10.5089/9781513509129.002.A001

Figure 5.
Figure 5.

Indonesia: External Sector

Citation: IMF Staff Country Reports 2019, 250; 10.5089/9781513509129.002.A001

Figure 6.
Figure 6.

Indonesia: Fiscal Sector

Citation: IMF Staff Country Reports 2019, 250; 10.5089/9781513509129.002.A001

Figure 7.
Figure 7.

Indonesia: Monetary Sector and Bank Liquidity Developments

Citation: IMF Staff Country Reports 2019, 250; 10.5089/9781513509129.002.A001

Figure 8.
Figure 8.

Selected Emerging Market Economies: Financial Soundness Indicators, 2018:Q4 1/

Citation: IMF Staff Country Reports 2019, 250; 10.5089/9781513509129.002.A001

1/ Or latest available data.
Figure 9.
Figure 9.

Indonesia: Financial Soundness Indicators by Size of Commercial Banks

Citation: IMF Staff Country Reports 2019, 250; 10.5089/9781513509129.002.A001

2. However, Indonesia still confronts vulnerabilities and challenges. Major vulnerabilities stem from low tax revenues and shallow financial markets, which have led to heavy reliance on volatile portfolio inflows to finance the twin budget and current account deficits. Nonresident investors hold about 40 percent of rupiah-denominated government bonds and a third of corporate debt financing, leaving the country vulnerable to capital flow reversals. Furthermore, labor and product market rigidities have constrained growth, which needs to be boosted to harness the young and growing labor force.

3. Discussions focused on post-election reform priorities to boost inclusive growth. With President Joko Widodo re-election, the start of his second term will provide a window of opportunity to push ahead with structural reforms. In addition to macrofinancial policies to protect stability, the consultation focused on structural reforms to address vulnerabilities and boost growth, centering on two pillars: (i) operationalizing a medium-term revenue strategy that would raise resources to finance priority spending; and (ii) accelerating financial deepening to promote stable financing. These reforms would lessen Indonesia’s reliance on volatile capital inflows and facilitate complementary reforms in the labor and product markets, in particular human capital development, infrastructure enhancement, and improvement of the business environment, which are essential to lift potential growth.

4. The authorities’ policies were appropriate given the external pressures in 2018. Considering downside risks to the outlook, the small estimated output gap, the economy’s vulnerabilities, and external shocks to the current and financial accounts, the policy strategy that prioritized macroeconomic and financial stability in the presence of unexpected external pressures in 2018 was appropriate. Tightened fiscal and monetary policy helped reduce the financing needs of the public sector and protected investor confidence. The authorities are taking steps to implement the 2017 FSAP recommendations (Table 11). However, progress in implementing a medium-term revenue strategy to raise resources has been slow, as the authorities have focused only on the tax administration angle of the strategy.

Table 1.

Indonesia: Selected Economic Indicators, 2014–20

article image
Sources: Data provided by the Indonesian authorities; and IMF staff estimates and projections.

Includes NPISH consumption.

Contribution to GDP growth (percentage points).

Includes changes in stocks.

Short-term debt on a remaining maturity basis.

Public and private external debt.

Table 2.

Indonesia: Selected Vulnerability Indicators, 2014–18

article image
Sources: Data provided by the Indonesian authorities; and IMF staff estimates and projections.

One-month Jakarta Interbank offered rate.

Defined as current account deficit, plus amortization on medium- and long-term debt and short-term debt at end of previous period.

Public sector covers central government only.

Overall balance plus debt amortization.

Short-term debt and maturing medium- and long-term debt.

Debt in foreign currency or linked to the exchange rate.

Government securities at variable interest rates.

Includes capital charge for operational risk.

Table 3.

Indonesia: Balance of Payments, 2014–20

(In billions of U.S. dollar, unless otherwise indicated)

article image
Sources: Data provided by the Indonesian authorities; and IMF staff estimates and projections.

Includes “other exports” category.

FDI developments in 2016 reflected some one-off transactions associated with the tax amnesty program.

Defined as current account deficit, plus amortization on medium- and long-term debt and short-term debt at end of previous period.

Table 4.

Indonesia: Medium-Term Macroeconomic Framework, 2017–24

article image
Sources: Data provided by the Indonesian authorities; and IMF staff estimates and projections.

Includes NPISH consumption.

Contribution to GDP growth.

Short-term debt on a remaining maturity basis.

Follows the guidance of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision.

Table 5.

Indonesia: Summary of Central Government Operations, 2014–20

(In trillions of rupiah)

article image
Sources: Data provided by the Indonesian authorities; and IMF staff estimates and projections.

Some social assistance spending was reclassified to other expenditure in 2016.

Special purpose transfers (DAK) for physical infrastructure and Village Fund transfers. Starting 2017, 25 percent of general transfer and revenue sharing is included.

Table 6.

Indonesia: Summary of Central Government Operations, 2014–20

(In percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

article image
Sources: Data provided by the Indonesian authorities; and IMF staff estimates and projections.

Some social assistance spending was reclassified to other expenditure in 2016.

Special purpose transfers (DAK) for physical infrastructure and Village Fund transfers. Starting 2017, 25 percent of general transfer and revenue sharing is included.

Sum of capital spending and transfers for infrastructure.

Table 7.

Indonesia: Summary of General Government Operations, 2014–20

article image
Sources: Data provided by the Indonesian authorities; and IMF staff estimates and projections.