Jakarta — In a pivotal gathering marking the close of 2025, the Financial Services Authority of Indonesia (OJK) convened its annual Year-End Dialogue with the nation's financial industry leaders. Held over two days on December 4th and 5th, the forum served as a strategic platform for the regulator to review the sector's dynamics and chart the course for the coming year. OJK Chairman Mahendra Siregar set a forward-looking tone, urging the industry to transcend mere survival in the face of economic headwinds and instead seize a leadership role in driving national progress. The dialogue crystallized key themes for 2026: enhancing sectoral resilience, unlocking financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and navigating the digital transformation with unwavering security.
A central pillar of the discussion was the critical role of MSMEs in Indonesia's economic fabric. Chairman Siregar directly addressed industry concerns, clarifying that no OJK regulation prohibits financial institutions from extending credit to debtors with less-than-perfect payment histories, especially for small nominal amounts unrelated to systemic risks. To further dismantle barriers, he highlighted the recently issued POJK 19/2025, which mandates banks and non-bank financial institutions to develop concrete plans for increasing MSME financing. OJK will actively monitor the implementation of these business plans, signaling a shift from passive regulation to active facilitation of inclusive credit flow.
The imperative of digitalization was underscored as a non-negotiable pathway for the industry's future. However, this drive was coupled with a stern warning on cybersecurity. Leaders emphasized that accelerating digital processes must be balanced with robust protections for financial data belonging to both businesses and consumers. This dual focus aims to foster innovation while safeguarding the public trust that underpins the entire financial system. The dialogue recognized that secure digital infrastructure is essential for the sector to remain competitive and resilient against evolving threats.
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The forum provided a structured review across all financial sub-sectors. The first day featured dedicated sessions on Banking, led by Chief Executive of Banking Supervision Dian Ediana Rae, and on Insurance, Guarantees, and Pension Funds (PPDP), overseen by Chief Executive Ogi Prastomiyono. The second day continued with in-depth discussions on Capital Markets, Financing Institutions, Venture Capital, and the increasingly prominent sector of Financial Technology, Digital Financial Assets, and Crypto Assets.
Beyond growth and innovation, the dialogue reinforced the regulator's unwavering commitment to market integrity and consumer protection. Separate sessions were dedicated to Oversight of Business Conduct and Consumer Education and Protection (PEPK), led by Chief Executive Friderica Widyasari Dewi, and on strengthening governance, chaired by Head of the OJK Audit Board Sophia Wattimena. These segments highlighted OJK's holistic approach to supervision, ensuring that market development is matched by strong ethical standards and a safety net for consumers.
The call for resilience issued by Chairman Siregar is grounded in a sector that has demonstrated underlying strength. Earlier in the year, OJK assessments noted that Indonesia's financial services sector remained stable, supported by solid national economic fundamentals even amid global uncertainty. This domestic fortitude, affirmed by stable credit ratings from Moody's and Fitch, provides a foundation upon which to build further strength and inclusivity.
In his closing remarks, Vice Chairman Mirza Adityaswara expressed profound appreciation for the active participation and constructive feedback from industry leaders. He characterized the dialogue as precisely the kind of forum OJK seeks to evaluate actionable ideas and formulate responsive policies. This collaborative spirit underscores a shared understanding between regulator and industry of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The 2025 Year-End Dialogue concludes with a clear mandate for Indonesia's financial services sector. As it moves into 2026, the industry is called to be more than just stable; it must be a dynamic, inclusive, and securely digital engine for national economic growth and societal welfare, actively guided by a proactive and partnership-oriented regulator.