By: Rivka Mayangsari *)
The government continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to strengthening the national economic foundation through regional-based strategies. One strategic step currently in the spotlight is the plan to place central government funds in regional development banks (BPD). This policy is considered a crucial breakthrough for growing the local economy, expanding access to financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and strengthening the stability of the national financial system.
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that the placement of government funds in regional development banks will be implemented in stages and adjusted to the capacity of each bank. He emphasized that the government will not force the implementation of this policy to avoid creating liquidity burdens or systemic risks in the banking sector.
According to the Ministry of Finance, there are approximately IDR 275 trillion in idle government funds ready to be allocated to regional banks. These funds are projected to become a new driver for the local economy, which has long been a driving force of national economic resilience. Purbaya explained that the placement of these funds aims to encourage local economic growth and expand access to financing for MSMEs. This strategy will be implemented carefully to ensure optimal distribution and a tangible multiplier effect.
Furthermore, Purbaya is optimistic that the policy of placing funds in Regional Development Banks (BPD) can help Indonesia’s economic growth exceed 5 percent by the fourth quarter of 2025. He believes that strengthening liquidity in regional banks will accelerate economic growth in regions previously untouched by the large financial sector.
Furthermore, the placement of government funds is also expected to be an effective instrument for strengthening the performance of the real sector. Regional banks will have more freedom to distribute credit to small and medium-sized enterprises, the trade sector, the creative industry, and the service sector, which contribute directly to the regional economy. Thus, economic benefits will not only be concentrated in large cities but also spread to remote areas of the archipelago.
In a macro context, the placement of Rp200 trillion in liquidity funds in Himbara banks is also an integral part of the government’s efforts to maintain national economic stability. Presidential Spokesperson for Economic Affairs, Fithra Faisal Hastiadi, estimates that this policy could increase additional economic growth by up to 0.4 percent. He believes that this measure not only strengthens liquidity but also provides a psychological boost to the business community, demonstrating that the government is present and serious about maintaining the momentum of national economic growth.
The government has also prepared the 2025 Economic Stimulus Package, designed to accelerate the national economy. The package consists of eight acceleration programs in 2025, four follow-up programs in 2026, and five main programs for job creation. These policies are known as the 8+4+5 format, an integrated strategy to accelerate economic recovery and growth.
Some of the main programs in the package include food assistance for 18.3 million beneficiary families, a PPh 21 discount policy for workers in labor-intensive sectors such as textiles and furniture, and a 50 percent discount on BPJS Ketenagakerjaan contributions for freelancers such as online motorcycle taxis and couriers. All of these policies are part of the government’s broader strategy to increase public purchasing power while strengthening a production-based economy.
From the banking sector, this policy has received a positive response. Bank Jakarta Corporate Secretary, Arie Rinaldi, believes that the placement of central government funds can be a real stimulus that accelerates the banking intermediation function, particularly in channeling financing to productive sectors. He explained that the additional liquidity from government funds will give regional banks more freedom to distribute credit to MSMEs, the trade, industry, and service sectors, which directly contribute to regional economic growth.
Furthermore, Arie also believes that this policy can create a domino effect by increasing public trust in the national financial system. He believes that the public will see the government’s seriousness in strengthening the economy not only at the central level but also in the regions. He believes this policy will instill confidence that the state is truly present in supporting local economic growth.
Furthermore, the central government fund placement policy is considered to increase synergy between the central government, regional governments, and the private sector. By strengthening the role of Regional Development Banks (BPD) as a driver of local economic development, regional governments are expected to be more active in identifying the potential of their respective regions.their respective fathers. This synergy is believed to be able to create a new, more inclusive, dynamic, and sustainable economic ecosystem.
Ultimately, the move to place central government funds in regional development banks is not merely a financial policy, but also a political-economic strategy to strengthen the national economic foundation from the ground up. With careful, transparent, and accountable management, this policy is expected to create a significant ripple effect on public welfare.
With these strategic steps, the government confirms its commitment to accelerating economic equality and strengthening national resilience. Placing government funds in regional banks is not only a short-term solution to increase liquidity, but also a long-term investment in creating an independent, strong, and equitable economy.
*) Economic observer
