Economist Says Pindar Could Be a Catalyst for 8 Per Cent Economic Growth

The ambition for robust national economic growth can be achieved by addressing financing gaps and attracting substantial investment. In this regard, online lending (pindar) could be a catalyst to realise eight per cent economic growth by 2029. Eko Listiyanto, Director of Big Data Development at INDEF, said there remains a wide gap between current growth and eight per cent. Macro-level, he explained that one way to boost growth is to attract investment. On the other hand, economic growth is influenced by the important role of intermediation functions. Growth needs fuel from financing growth.

“Without this there is a risk we would stagnate at around five per cent.” He spoke at a presentation on the Pindar Industry Research and Iftar with the Media in Jakarta on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. He added that to close the financing gap, the pindar industry has innovated by directing financing to underserved segments including SMEs. “That is an important part of driving economic growth,” he said.

“Eko acknowledged that pindar cannot yet be compared with the banking industry in terms of financing. However, its role in the credit ecosystem is very important because it brings great benefits for SMEs. He explained that although SMEs make up about 99% of all enterprises and account for about 60% of GDP, their ability to obtain credit from banks remains small, at around 19%. Furthermore, he stated that to achieve the 8 per cent growth target by 2029, Indonesia needs to expand investment, raise productivity, and provide financing support.”Not only bigger, but also much more inclusive,” he said.