Asia Grassroots Forum Champions Inclusive Growth Future
The 2026 Asia Grassroots Forum convened in Jakarta on 3-4 June, bringing together over 500 delegates ranging from global investors and policymakers to business leaders and grassroots economic practitioners. Hosted by Amartha Financial in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Accion, and Women’s World Banking (WWB) under the theme ‘Enabling Growth, Elevating Financial Health’, the annual forum focused on a central question: how to ensure economic growth creates opportunities for the majority, not just those with access to capital, technology, and resources. While millions have gained access to financial services over recent decades, the next challenge is helping micro-entrepreneurs and low-income families grow more productively, build economic resilience, and achieve long-term financial goals. MSMEs account for over 90% of business units and the majority of employment in many Asian countries, yet millions still face challenges in productivity, market access, capital limitations, and digital skills gaps that hinder their growth.
In his opening address, Indonesia’s 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono emphasised that economic growth must create broader opportunities for society. ‘Amid accelerating global change, Asian countries must continue to drive productivity, entrepreneurship, and innovation. True progress is when growth is able to reach more people,’ he stated. Echoing this sentiment, Amartha Founder and CEO Andi Taufan Garuda Putra said the world needs more optimism and concrete action to realise inclusive economic growth, adding that entrepreneurship can create opportunities and innovation can improve quality of life.
The forum promoted cross-sector collaboration through three main pillars: Capital, Technology, and Community. IFC Country Manager for Indonesia Euan Marshall stressed the financial sector’s critical role in expanding opportunities, noting that private sector companies, particularly MSMEs, are the backbone of regional economies. When equipped with appropriate financing and support to grow, they become powerful drivers of job creation and long-term prosperity. On technology, Accion Digital Transformation Managing Partner Njord Andrewes highlighted that AI and digital tools can make small businesses more productive and lower costs, but must be deployed responsibly with rules prioritising consumer protection and trust.
Recognising that inclusive growth requires a strong community foundation, particularly for women, Amartha and partners launched the Indonesian Coalition for Financial Health (ICFH). This cross-sector initiative aims to accelerate research, innovation, and collaboration to improve the financial health of Indonesians, especially women, MSME players, small farmers, and grassroots communities. Over two days, delegates discussed strategic issues that will shape the direction of Asia’s economic development in the coming decade.