Global economic uncertainty and continued tight liquidity have\nprompted several private banks to adopt more cautious business\nstrategies for the second half of 2026. In this environment, the banking\nfocus has shifted from pursuing maximum credit growth to maintaining\nasset quality, tightening credit distribution, and strengthening\nliquidity and capital.<\/p>\n
This pattern is evident in the first-half 2026 performance reports of\nseveral private banks. While some have still recorded credit growth,\nexpansion is being conducted more selectively, prioritising portfolio\nquality and risk management.<\/p>\n
PaninBank is one of the banks that has experienced a contraction in\ncredit growth. As of the first half of 2026, the company\u2019s credit was\nrecorded at Rp 139.64 trillion, a decrease of 3.75 per cent compared to\nthe same period last year. This decline aligns with the company\u2019s policy\nof being more selective in choosing business sectors, debtors, and\nfinancing purposes to maintain credit portfolio quality amidst global\neconomic uncertainty.<\/p>\n
A similar strategy is being implemented by PT Bank Neo Commerce Tbk\n(BNC). The company has reduced credit distribution in the commercial and\ncorporate segments but increased consumer and MSME financing by 6.68 per\ncent to Rp 5.8 trillion. This move was taken to improve portfolio\ncomposition while maintaining asset quality.<\/p>\n
BNC President Director Eri Budiono stated that the company now\nprioritises the quality of growth over mere expansion. \u201cThe first half\nof 2026 shows that our strategy to prioritise quality growth,\noperational efficiency, and more disciplined risk management has yielded\npositive results. We believe a strong foundation is a primary\nprerequisite for creating sustainable growth,\u201d Eri said in a written\nstatement on Friday (31\/7\/2026).<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Permata Bank still recorded credit growth of 5.3 per cent\nto Rp 171.2 trillion. Despite the growth, expansion remains cautious.\nThis is reflected in the gross non-performing loan (NPL) ratio, which\nremains maintained at 2.1 per cent, and the loan at risk (LAR) ratio,\nwhich improved to 5.9 per cent.<\/p>\n
Permata Bank President Director Meliza M. Rusli stated that this\nperformance demonstrates the company\u2019s ability to maintain growth amidst\nchanging economic conditions. \u201cThe first-half 2026 performance not only\nreflects healthy results but also demonstrates customer confidence and\nour ability to continue adapting amidst rapid changes,\u201d said Meliza.<\/p>\n
A similar approach is visible at OCBC. As of June 2026, credit grew\nby 11 per cent to Rp 185.3 trillion, supported by an 11 per cent growth\nin third-party funds. Although credit increased, asset quality remained\nstable with a gross NPL ratio of 1.9 per cent and the LAR ratio falling\nto 4.8 per cent.<\/p>\n
OCBC President Director Parwati Surjaudaja stated that the company\nwill continue to maintain healthy and sustainable growth amidst economic\nchallenges. \u201cThe positive performance in the first half of this year\nfurther strengthens OCBC\u2019s foundation to continue growing healthily and\nsustainably while maintaining the principle of prudence,\u201d said\nPariente.<\/p>\n
Danamon also recorded growth in credit and trade finance of 12 per\ncent to Rp 230.1 trillion in the first half of 2026. At the same time,\nasset quality improved, with the LAR ratio falling to 7.8 per cent, an\nimprovement of 263 basis points compared to the same period last\nyear.<\/p>\n
Danamon President Director Nobuya Kawasaki stated that the company is\noptimistic about maintaining growth in the second half of this year by\ncontinuing to apply prudent risk management. \u201cWe are optimistic about\nnavigating the second half of this year with a strong financial\nfoundation and risk management that emphasises the principle of\nprudence,\u201d said Nobuya.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/private-banks-prioritise-credit-quality-amid-economic-uncertainty-1785502719", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }