(2) | The calculation of export and import figures included in the balance of payments data compiled by Bank Indonesia differs in coverage and timing from the data on export/import trade compiled by BPS. |
(3) | Presents the position of reserve assets at the end of period. A surplus/deficit in the overall balance of payments during a reporting period will increase/decrease the outstanding amount of reserve assets at the end of that period. |
In 2020, the current account deficit decreased considerably to U.S.$4.3 billion compared to a U.S.$30.3 billion deficit in 2019. The lower current account deficit was primarily due to higher goods trade surplus and lower primary income deficit. The higher goods trade surplus in 2020 was driven by rapid growth of the non-oil and gas trade surplus coupled with a narrower oil and gas trade deficit. In addition, lower primary income deficit in line with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic coupled with exceptional global financial market uncertainty, which fed through to deteriorating corporate performance and lower foreign capital inflows in the form of direct investment, portfolio investment and other investment. On the other hand, the services trade deficit recorded a wider deficit which was primarily caused by reduction in the travel services trade surplus due to a precipitous decline of international and domestic travelers caused by closed borders and mobility restrictions to prevent Covid-19 transmission.
The capital and financial account surplus decreased to U.S.$7.6 billion in 2020 compared to a U.S.$36.6 billion surplus in 2019, primarily due to a net outflow of portfolio investment at the beginning of the year in response to global financial market panic stoked by rapid Covid-19 transmission around the world.
Indonesia’s overall balance of payments in 2020 recorded a surplus of U.S.$2.6 billion, accompanied by a higher position of reserve assets from U.S.$129.2 billion at the end of 2019 to U.S.$135.9 billion at the end of 2020.
After recording a deficit of U.S.$3.4 billion in the first quarter of 2020, the current account recorded a smaller deficit of U.S.$1.0 billion in the first quarter of 2021. The reduced deficit was primarily supported by a goods trade surplus due to stronger exports in line with increasing demand in Indonesia’s main trading partners and rising global commodities prices. The primary income account also recorded a narrower deficit from the same quarter in the prior year due to declining dividend payments of direct investment. On the other hand, the services trade balance deficit increased, mainly due to a lower surplus in travel as a result of a declining number of international travelers visiting Indonesia during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The capital and financial account recorded a surplus of U.S.$5.6 billion in the first quarter of 2021, after experiencing deficit of U.S.$3.0 billion in the same period of 2020, primarily supported by portfolio investment. Foreign capital inflows in portfolio investment continued to increase in line with positive investor perceptions of domestic economic outlook amidst ongoing global financial market uncertainty.
Indonesia’s overall balance of payments in the first quarter of 2021 recorded a surplus of U.S.$4.1 billion, accompanied by official reserve assets of U.S.$137.1 billion as of March 31, 2021, an increase from U.S.$121.0 billion as of March 31, 2020.
Financial System
The Banking System
As of March 31, 2021, total banking assets were Rp9,448.3 trillion, consisting of commercial bank assets of Rp9,276.4 trillion and rural bank assets (including assets of sharia rural banks) of Rp171.8 trillion.
Islamic Financial System
As of March 31, 2021, of the 90 underwriters licensed by OJK, only 26 were involved in issuances of Sukuk, and only 62 of the 98 investment managers (including one sharia investment manager fully managing Sharia funds) were licensed by OJK.
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