Overcome the Rp1,650 Trillion Credit Gap, AFPI Promotes Official Pindar and the Role of the Press to Protect the Public

JAKARTA - The peer-to-peer (P2P) lending or online lending (Pindar) FinTech industry is not only present as a technological innovation, but also a real solution to the challenge of financial inclusion in Indonesia. The presence of Pindar alias online lending is considered strategic in reducing the national financing gap (credit gap) which currently still touches the figure of Rp. 1,650 trillion.

The General Chair of the Indonesian Joint Funding Fintech Association (AFPI), Entjik S. Djafar, said that the financing gap was mostly experienced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), informal workers, and people who have not been served by conventional financial institutions (unbanked).

"This is where the pindar takes on a role. By utilizing technology, a more adaptive risk assessment process, and a distribution of services that reach various regions, the pindar is able to open access to financing that was previously difficult for the public to obtain," said Entjik in a workshop on the theme of "Pindar for Financial Inclusion, Journalism for Public Protection" at the Aryaduta Hotel, Jakarta, Thursday, August 6.

Financing Performance Grows 25% and Boosts SME Revenue

Entjik explained that as of May 2026, Pindar's outstanding industrial financing had reached IDR 105.14 trillion, or grown by around 25 percent year-on-year. This growth proves that the level of public demand for access to fast, safe, and responsible capital is still very high.

In reality, Pindar financing has proven to have a positive impact on the national economy. Based on Katadata Insight Center research in 2026: Pindar funding is able to increase MSMEs' sales by up to 120 percent. Then help significantly increase business profits. And also create a multiplier effect for national economic growth.

Public Education: Distinguishing Official Pindar and Illegal Pinjol

In the midst of this positive growth trend, Entjik highlighted a major challenge in the form of low public literacy in distinguishing between official Pindar and illegal online loans (pinjol).

"Pindar is a licensed and supervised service by OJK, subject to various regulations ranging from POJK to consumer protection provisions and industry behavior guidelines prepared jointly with AFPI. Meanwhile, illegal loans do not have a license, are not under the supervision of regulators, and often commit various violations," said Entjik.

Strategic Partnership with Insan Pers

Responding to this communication challenge, AFPI emphasized that the press has a very strategic role. The media not only conveys information, but also shapes understanding and builds public trust.

Through this media workshop activity, AFPI hopes that the press can become a stronghold in national financial literacy and the front line of consumer protection through accurate, balanced, and fact-based reporting.