Most economists in Indonesian survey say economic conditions have worsened
The survey of 63 experts also found widespread concern about inflation, job creation and the business environment.
Indonesia’s economic conditions have deteriorated compared with three months earlier, according to 33 of 63 experts, or 52 per cent, surveyed by the University of Indonesia’s Institute for Economic and Social Research (LPEM).
The institute, part of the university’s Faculty of Economics and Business, conducted its second-half 2026 survey online from 21 September to 13 October 2026. Of the respondents, 25, or 40 per cent, considered conditions unchanged, while five, or 8 per cent, reported an improvement.
Inflation pressure was rated high by 49 experts, or 78 per cent, including five who described it as very high. Statistics Indonesia reported annual inflation of 3.28 per cent in September 2026, near the upper end of Bank Indonesia’s 1.5–3.5 per cent target range.
On employment, 46 respondents, or 73 per cent, said job creation was lower than six months earlier. Of those, 16 considered it much lower. Another 15 experts saw no change, while two reported an increase.
The business environment had worsened compared with three months earlier, according to 35 experts, or 56 per cent. Meanwhile, 24 respondents judged it unchanged and four said it had improved.
Statistics Indonesia had not yet announced third-quarter 2026 economic growth. The agency reported growth of 5.29 per cent for the second quarter.
