BTN Boss Affirms Credit Assessment Remains Bank's Prerogative Despite Easing of SLIK Rules for Mortgages

Jakarta, VIVA – The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has decided that the information displayed in the Financial Services Information System (SLIK) report will be credits or financing with a nominal value above Rp1 million, either based on the ceiling or outstanding debit for each debtor. This is intended to ease housing finance.

In response, the President Director of PT Bank Tabungan Negara (Persero) Tbk, Nixon LP Napitupulu, affirmed that credit assessment remains the bank’s prerogative despite the SLIK easing. This is because financing decisions are entirely the bank’s responsibility in maintaining risk quality.

“I often say the same thing and I will consistently say the same, that let the bank make the credit decisions. Because ultimately, the credit decision is the bank’s responsibility and the management’s responsibility if anything happens,” said Nixon in response to reporters’ questions at a press conference in Jakarta, quoted on Thursday, 16 April 2026.

In general, Nixon said his side respects the latest policy set by the regulator as it stems from the needs of the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP) and housing associations. He emphasised that the bank has room to assess selectively, especially for debtors with loans under Rp1 million, whether they are victims of the system or reflect payment character.

He gave an example: if a debtor has many small loans with bad quality, this can indicate risky credit behaviour, so they are not automatically eligible for new financing.

“We hear that many under Rp1 million have more than one account. So, if someone has 30 accounts, (with credits of) Rp200 thousand, Rp300 thousand, all under Rp1 million. But all are NPLs. Is such a person eligible? The question is, if even Rp200 thousand is not paid, how can we give hundreds of millions? If it concerns character,” explained Nixon.

Furthermore, he added that the impact of the SLIK easing policy on adding subsidised mortgage debtors is still uncertain. Nixon also affirmed that assessments must still be done on a case-by-case basis, considering each debtor’s data and profile.