Savings of Lower-Middle Class Remain Sluggish, OJK Reveals the Cause
The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has highlighted the condition of public savings, particularly for the lower-middle class, which continues to face pressure at the beginning of 2026. Nevertheless, in general, national banking Third-Party Funds (DPK) were recorded to have maintained positive growth up to March 2026.
OJK Banking Supervision Executive, Dian Ediana Rae, stated that banking DPK in March 2026 grew by 13.55 per cent year-on-year (yoy) to Rp 10,230.81 trillion. “In March 20lar 2026, banking Third-Party Funds (DPK) grew by 13.55 per cent yoy to Rp 10,230.81 trillion, an increase compared to February 2026 which stood at 13.18 per cent,” Dian said in a written response during the OJK Monthly Board of Commissioners Meeting (RDKB), reported on Monday (18/5/2026).
She explained that this growth was supported by an increase across all components of public savings in the banking sector, including current accounts, time deposits, and savings accounts. Specifically, current account growth was recorded at 21.37 per cent (yoy), time deposits grew by 8.36 per cent (yoy), and savings increased by 11.57 per cent (yoy).
She noted that the improvement in economic activity, in both the formal and informal sectors, has supported the public’s ability to deposit funds into banks. “The performance of Third-Party Funds (DPK) is generally influenced by several factors, primarily the increase in public income alongside improving economic activity in both formal and informal sectors,” said Dian.
In addition to economic activity, she explained that seasonal factors also contribute to the growth of public liquidity. “Furthermore, seasonal factors such as year-end bonus payments, Eid al-Fitr allowances (THR), and the realisation of government spending also play a role in increasing liquidity within the community,” she added.
On the other hand, Dian stated that ongoing global uncertainty also influences public behaviour in managing finances. According to her, the uncertain global condition makes the public tend to be more cautious regarding consumption.