NPL Rises Slightly, Banks Tighten Lending Amid Rupiah Pressure
Several major banks have assured that asset quality remains intact amid global pressures and the weakening rupiah exchange rate. The trend in the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio still requires close monitoring.
Data from the Financial Services Authority (OJK) shows that the banking NPL in February 2026 stood at 2.17%. This figure rose from 2.14% in January and 2.05% in December 2025.
Maybank Indonesia’s Global Markets Economist, Myrdal Gunarto, assessed the increase as still controlled. The potential for further rises is estimated not to exceed 20 basis points.
“Pressure from the exchange rate and rising import costs is already being felt, but the surge in NPL remains limited,” he stated on Friday (24/4/2026).
Banks are expected to tighten credit distribution. Risk management is being strengthened through periodic stress tests to face various economic pressure scenarios.
“Banks will certainly be more selective in disbursing loans and continue to conduct stress tests related to exchange rate impacts as well as imported inflation,” he explained.
President Director of PT Bank CIMB Niaga Tbk, Lani Darmawan, stated that asset quality is still maintained. NPL is in the range of 1.8% to 1.9%. Credit demand remains weak in almost all segments. The bank chooses to focus on existing customers.
“Our focus is to ensure performance sustainability by remaining prudent in credit distribution,” she said.
PT Bank Tabungan Negara Tbk (BTN) assessed the impact of the rupiah weakening as relatively limited. The portfolio is dominated by housing and domestic retail financing. Exposure to import-based sectors is small.
BTN’s Risk Management Director, Setiyo Wibowo, noted that sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing are more vulnerable. However, BTN’s credit allocation to those sectors is minimal.
BTN relies on dynamic portfolio management, stress testing, selective underwriting, and a data-based early warning system. In the first quarter of 2026, BTN’s NPL was at 3.1%, down from 3.3% in the same period the previous year. The target for this year is kept below 3%.