Want to Invest but Still Hesitant? Mutual Funds Can Be a Starting Step

Information about investments is now increasingly accessible. From social media to financial applications, the public is becoming more familiar with terms such as shares, bonds, and mutual funds. However, understanding does not always lead to the courage to start.

Behind the increasing literacy, many are still holding back. Not because they do not know, but because they are doubtful, afraid of losses, confused about choosing products, or unsure where to start. Director of Transaction and Compliance Supervision at the Indonesia Stock Exchange, Kristian S Manullang, sees this condition as a challenge in the current capital market.

“Literacy is already quite high, but inclusion is still low. That means, those who actually invest are still limited,” he said during the Mutual Fund Socialisation and Education APRDI 2026 at the Seminar Room, Tower 2 Floor 1 IDX Jakarta, on Monday (20/4/2026).

Doubts often become invisible barriers. Many prospective investors worry about choosing the wrong product or not fully understanding the risks.

Chair of the Presidium of the Indonesian Mutual Fund Practitioners Association (APRDI), Lolita Liliana, reminds that investment is indeed inseparable from risks. Its value can rise and fall following market conditions.

However, these risks can be managed, one of which is through diversification and management by professionals. “If you don’t know how to choose shares or bonds, you can go through mutual funds,” said Lolita.

She also reminds investors to understand their risk profiles and not just follow trends.

Mutual funds as a bridge

Amid these doubts, mutual funds become a bridge between knowledge and practice. This product pools public funds to be invested in various instruments, so investors do not need to manage portfolios directly. Management is carried out by investment managers, while funds are stored in custodian banks and supervised by the Financial Services Authority (OJK).

With this mechanism, the public can start without having to understand all the details of the financial markets. Increasingly easy access also helps. Investments can now be started from Rp 10,000 and done online.

“If we want to reach more people, it must be affordable,” said Lolita.

For those still hesitant, the initial step does not have to involve taking big risks right away. One option often used is money market mutual funds, which invest in short-term instruments such as deposits and bonds under one year.

This product is relatively more stable compared to other types, although it still carries risks. With this characteristic, money market mutual funds become a practical choice for the public who want to start investing without too high fluctuations.