Presidential Speech and the Spotlight on Himbara Banks

It was compelling to observe President Prabowo Subianto’s speech during the plenary session of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (20/05/2026). On this occasion, the Head of State requested that banks belonging to the Association of State-Owned Banks (Himbara) show greater support for the common people and new entrepreneurs.

President Prabowo’s message was not without reason. The behaviour of Himbara banks has recently appeared to favour large-scale enterprises, making them indistinguishable from other private banks. As state-owned banks, they must recognise the special mission entrusted to them in line with the constitutional mandate: to protect, educate, and prosper the people.

It is highly appropriate that President Prabowo has commanded Himbara banks to become patriotic institutions moving forward. They must be banks that do not merely consider a specific group of people, but ensure their presence is truly felt by all, particularly in defending and uplifting the economy of small-scale and lower-income communities.

However, the attitude and mentality desired by President Prabowo do not seem to have flourished among the leadership of Himbara banks. This is evident in the low volume of credit and financing provided to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which stands at approximately 20 per cent. In contrast, MSMEs account for about 99.99 per cent of all businesses in Indonesia.

The remaining 80 per cent of total credit and financing is allocated to large business groups, despite them representing only about 0.01 per cent of the total business landscape. Consequently, the situation described by President Prabowo persists: ‘the same people, over and over again.’ Only those who are already extremely wealthy receive these facilities.

To ensure his words are not perceived as mere rhetoric by the public, it is time for President Prabowo to initiate an internal ‘revolution’ within Himbara banks. The Head of State possesses the authority to dismiss leaders of state-owned banks who are unable to redirect credit and financing towards MSMEs.