OJK Logs 3,244 Reports of Illegal Online Lending in East Java
Yogyakarta (ANTARA) – The Financial Services Authority (OJK) recorded 3,244 reports related to illegal online lending in East Java between January and August 2026, highlighting the importance of strengthening consumer protection and public vigilance towards offers from unlicensed lenders.
“The figure places East Java second among provinces with the most reports of illegal online lending in Indonesia,” acting head of the OJK’s East Java office Horas V. M. Tarihoran said at a 2026 media gathering in Yogyakarta on Tuesday.
The number puts East Java among the provinces with the second-highest volume of complaints about illegal online lending nationwide, after West Java, which recorded 5,676 reports. Jakarta was next, with 2,937 reports.
Nationwide, the OJK received 30,328 complaints about illegal financial activities during the period, comprising 26,729 reports of illegal online lending, 3,399 reports of illegal investment and 200 reports of illegal pawnbroking.
In East Java, public reports also included 592 cases related to illegal investment and 33 reports of illegal pawnbroking. This indicates that risks arise not only from digital lending services, but also from offers to invest funds and pawnbroking transactions whose legality is unclear.
As part of enforcement action, Horas said, the Task Force for the Eradication of Illegal Financial Activities (Satgas PASTI) identified and shut down 951 illegal online lending entities, 242 illegal investment offers, 27 illegal pawnbroking activities and two other illegal financial activities, bringing the total to 1,222 entities or activities.
Horas warned that illegal online lenders can cause losses through the misuse of personal information, debt collection that does not comply with regulations, and interest and fees that are not disclosed transparently.
He urged the public to check that providers are licensed before applying for a loan or investing funds, and not to be tempted by promises of rapid disbursement sent through text messages, social media or apps of unclear origin.
People should also keep personal data confidential, including one-time passwords (OTPs), PINs and account details, and use official OJK channels to check whether financial services are licensed or to report suspicious offers.
Stronger supervision and financial education are expected to help people recognise risks early, while encouraging the use of legal and responsible financial services to meet funding needs without falling victim to harmful practices.