Reports Mr. Jokowi, OJK's Weapons To Prevent Illegal Loans Have Distributed Rp81 Billion Credit To 52,000 Customers

Illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Financial Services Authority (OJK) reports that the existence of Micro Waqf Banks (BWM) in Indonesia is currently able to disburse loans and financing of Rp. 81.79 billion.

OJK revealed that this amount was distributed to 52,220 customers in 62 BWM units throughout Indonesia.

"There are many advantages of the facilities provided by this Micro Waqf Bank," said the authority's broadcast on Wednesday, February 16.

It is stated that BWM distributes micro loans without collateral, free of interest or yields, and provides mentoring and training programs for customers.

"This also helps customers avoid the trap of moneylenders," said OJK.

For information, BWM was established to provide capital for small communities who do not yet have access to formal (non-bankable) financial institutions.

This institution distributes financing with a very low value, which is Rp. 1 million to Rp. 3 million. In terms of requirements, BWM can provide loan funds without any collateral from the public.

This scheme is possible because it adheres to a group system of joint and several responsibilities. That is, existing members guarantee the quality of prospective members who will borrow capital. Thus, the submission of recommendations must be really good and can be accounted for.

In supporting operational activities in the field, OJK then developed a BWM digitization system to facilitate financing distribution.

In a VOI note, the Chairman of the OJK Board of Commissioners, Wimboh Santoso, said that Micro Waqf Banks are also an effort to keep the public from being entangled in illegal online loans (loans) which are very detrimental.

“This is a secure credit, it's just a matter of how we try to expand it. So that we can take the space that was previously filled by illegal lenders,” he said earlier this week.

In addition to offering BWM, Wimboh also asked the public to take advantage of the People's Business Credit (KUR) program if they needed a larger business financing value.

To note, the inauguration of the Micro Waqf Bank itself was carried out by President Joko Widodo on 20 October 2017 in Kempek, Cirebon. The ceremony also marked the presence of the first 10 BWM in the country.