Jakarta (ANTARA) – Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto expressed optimism that Indonesia’s economy could reach its 5.5 percent growth target in the first quarter of 2026, supported by stronger public consumption during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. “It seems the 5.5 percent target can be achieved based on the growth during Ramadan,” he said after Eid al-Fitr prayers in Jakarta on Saturday. Hartarto noted the possibility of higher inflation compared to the first quarter of 2025, following the discontinuation of a 50 percent electricity tariff discount program that had helped suppress inflation in January and February last year. Without the discount, household electricity expenses will return to normal levels, contributing to increased inflationary pressures. Despite this, the government remains confident that public purchasing power and festive-season consumption will sustain growth momentum. The official growth target for the first quarter of 2026 is set at 5.5 to 5.6 percent year-on-year, driven by accelerated state spending, fiscal stimulus, and stronger household demand. To support this, the government has introduced an economic stimulus package. Measures include transportation discounts for the Eid homecoming period—30 percent off train and sea fares and 17–18 percent off airline tickets—funded with Rp911.16 billion (US$52 million). Food aid worth Rp12 trillion (US$686 million) is being distributed to 35.04 million families in February and March, consisting of 10 kilograms of rice and 2 liters of cooking oil per month. Additionally, Rp55 trillion (US$3.1 billion) has been allocated for Eid allowances (THR) for approximately 10.5 million state employees, including civil servants, contract-based staff, members of the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), and retirees. “These measures are designed to maintain public purchasing power and spur economic growth,” Hartarto emphasized.