..if economic growth was previously around 5 percent, we expect it to grow even faster in the future,Jakarta (ANTARA) – Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa is optimistic that the national economy can grow above 5.5 percent in the first half of 2026.“The first quarter may grow above 5.5 percent. The second quarter as well,” he said at the launch of the Planned and Regular Investment Program (PINTAR) for Mutual Funds at the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) here on Monday.The minister explained that the government is currently focused on building a strong economic foundation to achieve continuously accelerating growth.One example of government efforts is the establishment of the Task Force for Accelerating Government Programs to Support Economic Growth, led by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto.The finance minister believes the task force will strengthen economic performance going forward. At the same time, he noted that the Finance Ministry is striving to improve its performance to ensure fiscal authorities can better support growth. The reforms are primarily focused on the Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) and the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC).Sadewa said these reforms have already had a positive impact on tax collection, as reflected in tax revenue growth of 20.7 percent in March 2026.He remains confident that national economic growth will continue to improve, noting that the domestic economy has maintained stability amid global uncertainties. “So, if economic growth was previously around 5 percent, we expect it to grow even faster in the future,” he said.He added that the government is ready to provide stimulus from multiple fronts to maintain growth momentum, including accelerating government spending to ensure faster circulation of funds in the economy.Sadewa has set a target of 5.7 percent economic growth for the second quarter of 2026.