Access to Affordable Financing Seen as Key to Strengthening Micro-Businesses
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The reduction of ultra-micro loan interest rates is seen as a crucial momentum to strengthen the people’s economy and expand fairer access to financing for small business operators. The policy to lower PNM Mekaar loan interest from 24 per cent to 8 per cent is said to open greater opportunities for micro-business actors to boost productivity and develop their enterprises.
The Executive Board of the All-Indonesian Muslim Students’ Association (PB HMI) assesses that there has long been an imbalance in the national financing system. Large business operators are seen as having easier access to credit with low interest rates, while small communities face higher interest burdens.
PB HMI General Chairman Bagas Kurniawan stated that the ultra-micro loan interest reduction can help create equitable economic access for small communities. According to him, this step provides opportunities for micro-business actors to strengthen their businesses and improve family welfare.
“This interest reduction presents greater opportunities for micro-business actors to grow, increase productivity, and expand their enterprises,” said Bagas in his official statement on Wednesday (13/5/2026).
He assessed that more affordable financing policies need to be accompanied by strengthening the MSME ecosystem so that the benefits can be felt optimally. Business mentoring, capacity training, and market access expansion are cited as important factors to ensure micro-businesses can grow sustainably.
According to Bagas, micro-business operators have long made significant contributions to employment absorption and economic circulation in society. Therefore, lighter access to financing is hoped to encourage more small businesses to scale up.
PB HMI also emphasises the importance of overseeing the implementation of the policy so that the benefits of the interest reduction truly reach those in need. The organisation stated its readiness to monitor the execution of the ultra-micro financing policy to ensure it does not stop at mere administrative programmes but delivers real impacts on strengthening the people’s economy.
Bagas added that strengthening the micro-business sector is one of the important foundations in maintaining national economic resilience amid global challenges. With more inclusive financing access, small businesses are seen as having greater room to survive and develop.