Indonesia’s newly appointed Finance Minister, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, said on Monday that achieving 8% economic growth was “not impossible” and pledged to find ways to accelerate expansion.

Speaking to journalists shortly after being sworn in by President Prabowo Subianto, Purbaya said he would prioritise policies that could quickly boost the economy and deliver broad-based growth.

“I will work to ensure that Indonesia’s economy grows stronger and faster. Eight percent is not impossible if we have the right policies and commitment,” he said.

Purbaya, an economist and former deputy chairman of Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board, takes office at a time when Southeast Asia’s largest economy is under pressure from slowing global demand and weakening exports.

Analysts say his challenge will be balancing Prabowo’s ambitious spending plans with the need to keep inflation and public debt under control.

Boluwatife Enome

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