Indonesia Banking Surges: Credit Hits $538 Billion as Investment Activity Ignites

JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — Indonesia’s banking titans are entering 2026 on a high note, defying global economic headwinds with a credit expansion that signals a massive wave of corporate optimism. The Financial Services Authority (OJK), the nation’s integrated financial regulator, reported Monday that the banking industry remains "solid and robust," underpinned by a capital buffer that far exceeds international requirements.

For institutional investors, the 20.72% explosion in investment credit is the ultimate "buy" signal for the Indonesian real economy. It suggests that despite high-interest rates and geopolitical noise, Indonesian conglomerates and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are aggressively deploying capital into infrastructure, manufacturing, and long-term assets. Furthermore, a Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 25.83% places Indonesian banks among the best-capitalized in the emerging markets, providing a formidable "safety net" against external shocks.

Investment Credit Leads the Charge

The shift in credit dynamics marks a transition from consumer-led recovery to investment-driven growth. OJK Chief Executive of Banking Supervision Dian Ediana Rae revealed that total credit reached Rp 8,559 trillion ($538.3 billion) by the end of February.

"Investment credit grew the highest at 20.72%," Dian stated during a monthly press conference on Monday. This trend was mirrored in the corporate segment, which saw a 14.74% increase in borrowing. State-owned lenders (Himbara) led the pack by ownership, posting a 12.78% year-on-year growth as they continue to fund national strategic projects.

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Liquidity and "The $600 Billion Club"

The industry's funding base has reached historic proportions. Third-party funds (DPK), which represent the total deposits from the public, grew 13.18% to hit Rp 10,102 trillion ($635.3 billion). This massive liquidity pool has kept the industry’s Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) at a staggering 195.64%, nearly double the regulatory minimum.

"The risk profile of the banking industry remains maintained amidst challenging global economic dynamics," Dian added on Monday. She noted that the high CAR of 25.83% serves as a critical buffer for risk mitigation as the regulator navigates a volatile 2026.

Cleaning Up the System

Beyond the balance sheets, the OJK is taking a hardline approach to systemic integrity. In the first quarter of 2026, the regulator approved 12 mergers of rural banks (BPR) to strengthen the sector's foundation, while simultaneously revoking the licenses of six troubled rural banks to protect consumers.

The crackdown also extends to digital crime. In a coordinated strike against illegal online gambling—an issue that has plagued the domestic financial system—the OJK has ordered banks to conduct Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) and freeze 33,252 accounts. "This is an increase from the previous 32,556 accounts indicated in online gambling," Dian confirmed on Monday, emphasizing the OJK's commitment to purging illegal activities that distort the financial sector.