没有博士学位“算不上真正的经济学家” 印尼财长斥责一位花旗分析师

Core Viewpoint - Indonesia's criticism of Citigroup's economist highlights the increasing pressure global banks face when releasing research reports deemed unfavorable by governments [1][3]. Group 1: Government Response - Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa sharply criticized Citigroup economist Helmi Arman for suggesting that Indonesia's budget deficit might exceed the legal limit [1][3]. - Purbaya emphasized that Arman, despite holding two master's degrees, is not a "real economist" due to his lack of a PhD [1][5]. - The incident reflects the sensitivity of policymakers in Southeast Asia's largest economy, who are striving to prevent a sell-off in the country's bond and stock markets [3][5]. Group 2: Economic Forecasts - Citigroup raised its forecast for Indonesia's 2026 budget deficit from an initial estimate of 2.7% of GDP to 3.5%, surpassing the legal limit of 3% established after the Asian financial crisis [3][6]. - The report predicts that President Joko Widodo's free meal program could cost approximately $18 billion this year, with an additional $3.6 billion needed for rebuilding flood-affected provinces [3][6]. - As of 2025, Indonesia's budget deficit has surged to 2.92%, exceeding both the original target of 2.53% and the revised target of 2.78%, marking the highest deficit rate since 2005, excluding the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021 [6].