Fraud and Illegal Online Lending Surges; BI Chief Says Financial Inclusion Must Be Coupled with Financial Literacy

Jakarta — Governor of Bank Indonesia (BI), Perry Warjiyo, stressed that with the escalating risks in the digital finance space—from illegal online lending to fraud—the enhancement of financial literacy must be continuously driven to protect the public from these dangers. Moreover, with the increasing access of people to digital financial services each year, steps to strengthen literacy are essential, in line with the risks accompanying the growth of financial inclusion. ‘So even though there are annual advances, financial literacy and inclusion in Indonesia must continue to be increased,’ Perry said at the AKSI KLIK (Aksi Kuatkan Literasi dan Inklusi Keuangan untuk Kesejahteraan) event on Friday, 6 March 2026. The 2025 National Survey on Financial Literacy and Inclusion (SNLIK) shows the national financial inclusion rate at 92.74%. This figure approaches the government’s long-term target of 98% inclusion by 2045, as outlined in the National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN) 2025–2045. However, Perry emphasised that increasing financial inclusion must go in tandem with raising financial literacy. Besides understanding how to use digital financial services such as QRIS, the public must also understand the benefits, risks, and how to use financial products safely. ‘Thus, if financial literacy is adequate, the public will be protected from various financial crimes, including digital fraud or illegal online lending,’ Perry said. SNLIK 2025 also shows the Indonesian public’s financial literacy at just 66.46%. Perry argues that this level must be further improved so that the public is linked to and protected by financial services they can manage responsibly and safely. ‘Therefore, let us raise this literacy level. So that we can see our financial literacy increasing to meet other targets related to financial inclusion,’ he added.