OJK Monitors Efficiency Trends in Banks Amidst Digitalisation
Several major banks have recorded a decrease in workforce costs in the first quarter of 2026.
Amid these conditions, the Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK) views the efficiency measures taken by banks as part of each bank’s business strategy, provided they are carried out prudently, paying attention to governance, risk management, and without disrupting service quality for the public.
Head of Banking Supervision at OJK, Dian Ediana Rae, said that OJK continues to monitor developments in the banking industry, including various efficiency measures taken by banks amidst limited performance growth.
“OJK views these steps as part of each bank’s policy or business strategy, provided they are carried out prudently, paying attention to aspects of governance, risk management, and without disrupting service quality for the public and the resilience of the banking industry in general,” said Dian in a written response during the Monthly Board of Commissioners Meeting (RDKB) of OJK, Sunday (17/5/2026).
He explained that the increasingly massive trend of digitalisation in banking services has influenced changes in behaviour, expectations, and public needs for financial services from banks.
According to him, technological developments and digitalisation encourage banks to adjust their business processes to be more efficient. This is evident in the increasing use of digital services on both the fund-raising and credit distribution sides.
He added that these changes in financial service patterns ultimately drive efficiency in bank’s business processes.
Amid the development of digitalisation, banks are starting to rely on automation for a number of services. OJK sees this step as having an impact on strengthening human resources (HR) in the banking industry.
According to Dian, the automation of digital services is not only related to operational efficiency but also opens up opportunities for banks to strengthen employee competence in carrying out work that has higher added value.
Digitalisation in the banking industry has continued to develop over the past few years.
Various services that previously required face-to-face processes are now being shifted to digital services. From account opening, payment transactions, fund transfers, to credit applications can now be done through applications and digital platforms.
In OJK’s view, this development also influences the operational structure of banks. Efficiency then becomes one of the strategies chosen to maintain competitiveness amidst changing public behaviour in using financial services.
“In addition, strategies for optimising operations and adjusting the organisation to maintain efficiency and competitiveness can also be a driving factor,” said Dian.
OJK believes that each bank has different policies and business strategies in facing the challenges of the financial industry.
Therefore, the efficiency measures taken by banks are seen as part of an adjustment to industrial developments and market needs.