BI Rate Rises, Danantara CEO Urges Himbara Banks to Boost Efficiency to Maintain Lending
Jakarta - The CEO of the Investment Management Agency (BPI) Danantara, Rosan Roeslani, has responded to Bank Indonesia’s decision to raise the benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 5.75% on Thursday, 18 June 2026. He stated that banks need to enhance efficiency and productivity so that the rate hike does not significantly impact lending to the public and businesses.
Rosan made the statement after attending a meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and the directors and commissioners of banks that are members of the Association of State-Owned Banks (Himbara) at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.
Rosan assessed that the current condition of the national banking industry remains quite strong. Based on his records, credit growth throughout 2025 to 2026 averaged 15%. Additionally, liquidity and third-party funds (DPK) have also continued to increase with double-digit growth.
“Liquidity and third-party funds are maintained and also rising by double digits. Importantly, the non-performing loan ratio at Bank Mandiri is only 0.9%, so the average NPL for Himbara banks is currently between 0.9% and 1.8%,” Rosan said.
Given these conditions, Rosan stressed the importance of improving efficiency in the banking sector. He argued this step is necessary so that the benchmark rate increase does not automatically drive up lending rates, which could burden business actors, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Meanwhile, BPI Danantara Chief Investment Officer (CIO) Pandu Sjahrir affirmed that both Danantara and the banks will follow policies set by the authorities, including Bank Indonesia as the monetary policy maker.
According to Pandu, the decision regarding the benchmark interest rate has certainly undergone thorough consideration and careful calculation. Therefore, Danantara will support the policies taken by the regulator.
“We will support them; they surely have their calculations. For us at Danantara, as market participants, we will do our best,” he said.
On the same occasion, Rosan and Pandu confirmed there were no specific directives from President Prabowo Subianto to Himbara banks to hold back or manage lending rates following the BI Rate increase.
According to Rosan, the discussion in the meeting focused more on strengthening the banking sector and the general direction of national economic development.
“There was none, no directives,” Rosan said.
Pandu made a similar statement, emphasising that the President focused more on the vision and future direction of Indonesia’s development rather than discussing technical policies related to lending rates.
“There were no directives. It was just philosophical guidance, a discussion about Indonesia and where we are heading. I think the presentation was positive,” Pandu said.
With the banking condition deemed still solid, Danantara hopes that Himbara banks can continue to maintain lending to the public and productive sectors despite facing a higher interest rate environment.