Indonesia is increasingly turning to digital finance as a means to improve access to banking services for millions of its citizens lacking such access. At the recent China Conference: Southeast Asia 2026 held in Jakarta, Kartika Wirjoatmodjo, chairman of PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia, emphasized the crucial role of digitalization in addressing these challenges. The bank, which prioritizes financial inclusion, is seeking to expand its efforts in the digital domain to cater to the unbanked population effectively.

The Financial Services Authority of Indonesia has recently outlined a set of three policy priorities designed to bolster the financial services sector. These priorities include enhancing the sector's resilience, fostering a contributive ecosystem, and promoting sustainable finance. By setting these priorities, the Indonesian government aims to create a more robust financial services framework that can better serve its citizens and attract foreign partnerships that are integral to digital transformation.

With firms like Ant International establishing their presence in the region by utilizing digital footprints, Indonesia is positioning itself as a rising hub for fintech innovation. By learning from the digital finance successes seen in surrounding regions, including China, Indonesia seeks to implement similar strategies to address its unique challenges in financial inclusion. The adoption of technology in financial services is not only a response to the immediate need for access but also a sustained effort towards building a more inclusive economy.