Indonesia & Netherlands Forge New Partnership to Boost Financial Inclusion, Health
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Indonesia is embarking on a new era of strategic cooperation with teh international community, focused on strengthening its national financial policy framework and expanding access to vital financial services. This commitment was solidified during a meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands on Thursday at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.
Indonesia is making critically important strides in financial inclusion, with the latest data revealing an inclusion index of 80.51 percent, according to a 2025 National Survey of Financial Literacy and Inclusion conducted by the Financial services Authority and Statistics indonesia. This represents a notable increase from the 75.02 percent recorded in the 2024 survey, signaling positive momentum in bringing more Indonesians into the formal financial system.
Did you know? – IndonesiaS financial inclusion index jumped from 75.02% to 80.51% in a year. This indicates a growing number of Indonesians are accessing formal financial services, a key goal of the partnership.
A Focus on National Strategy and Implementation
During the meeting, President Prabowo expressed his deep appreciation for Queen Máxima’s longstanding contributions to promoting financial health globally, and specifically within Indonesia. He underscored the urgent need for a structured and complete national strategy to further accelerate progress.
“Indonesia needs a structured and comprehensive national strategy,” a senior official stated, relaying the President’s remarks. “This includes the establishment of a cross-sectoral council that will provide direct recommendations to the President and accelerate policy implementation.”
Queen Máxima, in her capacity as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health, acknowledged Indonesia’s advancements while emphasizing the importance of ensuring the benefits of financial inclusion reach the nation’s most vulnerable populations.
“The essence of financial health is enabling people to live better today and in the future while avoiding financial vulnerabilities,” she noted. She specifically highlighted the need to strengthen implementation efforts to support underprivileged communities, informal workers, and actors within the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector.
Reader question: – what specific financial services do you think would most benefit underprivileged communities and informal workers in Indonesia? Share your thoughts on how to improve financial inclusion.
Strengthening Financial Resilience at All Levels
Thursday’s discussions signaled a commitment to a multi-faceted approach,encompassing the strengthening of the national financial policy framework,the promotion of safe and affordable financial services,and the enhancement of financial literacy and resilience at the family level. This collaborative effort aims to empower Indonesians to navigate financial challenges and build a more secure future.
The partnership reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness between financial inclusion, economic stability, and overall societal well-being. By prioritizing these key areas, Indonesia is positioning itself for enduring and inclusive growth.
The meeting between President Prabowo and Queen Máxima represents a pivotal moment in indonesia’s journey towards a more financially inclusive and resilient future, built on a foundation of strategic cooperation and a shared commitment to improving the lives of all Indonesians.
