
Indonesia has a thriving banking sector, with many opportunities for growth and investment. Sharia finance is a significant area of focus, with a growing number of Islamic banks and financial institutions.
The country's largest Islamic bank is Bank Mandiri Syariah, with over 100 branches across Indonesia. Sharia finance is a significant contributor to the country's financial sector, with a market size of over $100 billion.
Indonesia's banking sector is highly competitive, with over 100 banks operating in the country. The sector is expected to continue growing, driven by increasing demand for financial services and a growing middle class.
The Indonesian government has implemented policies to support the development of Sharia finance, including the establishment of a Sharia finance board to oversee and regulate the industry.
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Sharia Finance in Indonesia
Sharia Finance in Indonesia is a growing sector, with sharia-compliant lending making up 7% of Indonesia's banking industry last year.
Private sharia banks in Indonesia include Bank Mega Syariah, founded on July 14, 1990, and Bank Aladin Syariah, established on September 16, 1994. These banks cater to the increasing demand for sharia-compliant banking services in the country.
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The Islamic banking sector in Indonesia differs from that of Malaysia and the Middle East, with new initiatives expected to boost the sector. Some notable private sharia banks in Indonesia are listed below.
Government Sharia Financial Institutions
In Indonesia, government-owned sharia banks play a significant role in providing Islamic financial services. Bank Syariah Indonesia, founded on 1 February 2021, is a government-owned foreign exchange bank.
The government of Indonesia is the majority owner of Bank Syariah Indonesia. This bank is a result of the merger between Bank BNI Syariah and Bank Syariah Mandiri with Bank BRISyariah as the surviving brand.
Other notable government-owned sharia banks in Indonesia include Bank Aceh Syariah, founded on 7 September 1957, which is owned by the Aceh Government and operates as a non-foreign exchange bank.
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Private Sharia Finance
Private Sharia Finance in Indonesia has seen significant growth in recent years. The sector has expanded to include various types of banks, including private sharia banks.
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Bank Mega Syariah, for instance, was founded on July 14, 1990, and is owned by Mega Corp. It's a foreign exchange bank. Another notable private sharia bank is Bank Aladin Syariah, founded on September 16, 1994, and owned by Aladin Global Ventures.
Private sharia banks like Bank BCA Syariah, founded on May 21, 1991, and owned by Bank Central Asia, have also established themselves in the market. Bank Muamalat Indonesia, a foreign exchange bank, was founded on November 1, 1991, and is owned by the Hajj Fund Management Agency.
Here's a list of some private sharia banks in Indonesia:
Banking in Jakarta
Banking in Jakarta is surprisingly modern and efficient. You can find a wide range of banks in the city, including local and international institutions.
The largest bank in Indonesia, Bank Mandiri, has a significant presence in Jakarta, with over 1,000 branches across the city. This makes it easy for residents and visitors to access banking services.
Jakarta's banking system is also known for its advanced technology, with many banks offering online and mobile banking services, making it possible to manage your finances from anywhere in the city.
Regional-Owned
Regional-owned banks play a significant role in the banking industry in Jakarta. They are formally instituted as Bank Pembangunan Daerah (Regional Development Bank, abbreviated as BPD).
There are several regional-owned banks in Jakarta, each with its own unique history and characteristics. Bank BPD Bali, for example, was founded on July 5, 1962, and is owned by the Bali Government.
One of the notable regional-owned banks is Bank BPD DIY, which was established on December 15, 1961, and is owned by the Special Region of Yogyakarta Government. It's worth noting that Bank BPD DIY is a non-foreign exchange bank.
Here is a list of some of the regional-owned banks in Jakarta:
Representative Offices in Jakarta
If you're looking to do business in Jakarta, having a presence in the city's banking sector is crucial. There are several international banks with representative offices in Jakarta.
ICICI Bank, Bank of India, and State Bank of India all have a presence in Jakarta, making it easier for Indian businesses to operate in the city. ING Bank NV and NV De Indonesische Overzeese Bank also have representative offices in Jakarta, catering to European clients.
OCBC Bank and United Overseas Bank are two more notable banks with a presence in Jakarta, providing services to clients from Southeast Asia.
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Bank Performance and Growth

Indonesia's banks have made a solid recovery, with many improving their positions in the 2022 Top 1000 ranking after a difficult year in 2021.
The top banks in Indonesia have steadily built up their balance sheets, but their profitability is in decline. This is a trend that's been observed, with assets up but profitability down.
Bank Central Asia has been crowned Indonesia's best performer, showing that some banks are doing better than others.
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Top 10 by Total Assets
Bank Mandiri tops the list of Indonesia's top 10 banks by total assets. It's impressive to see them at the number one spot.
Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) takes the second spot, closely followed by Bank Central Asia (BCA) in third place. These banks have consistently performed well in the industry.
Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) ranks fourth, with Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) and Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) taking the fifth and sixth spots respectively. These banks have shown remarkable growth in recent years.
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Bank CIMB Niaga, Bank OCBC NISP, Permata Bank, and Bank Danamon complete the top 10 list, showcasing the diversity of Indonesia's banking sector.
Here is the list of the top 10 banks by total assets:
- Bank Mandiri
- Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI)
- Bank Central Asia (BCA)
- Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI)
- Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN)
- Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI)
- Bank CIMB Niaga
- Bank OCBC NISP
- Permata Bank
- Bank Danamon
State-Owned
State-owned banks play a significant role in the banking industry. Bank Mandiri, for instance, was founded on October 2, 1998, and is majority-owned by the Government of Indonesia.
Bank Mandiri is a foreign exchange bank, which means it handles international transactions. Its subsidiary, Bank Mandiri Taspen, was founded on February 23, 1970, and is a non-foreign exchange bank.
Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) is another state-owned bank, founded on July 5, 1946. It's worth noting that BNI has a subsidiary called Hibank, which was founded on February 25, 1993, and is a foreign exchange bank.
Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) is the oldest state-owned bank, founded on December 16, 1895. It has a subsidiary called Bank Raya Indonesia, which was founded on September 27, 1989.
Here's a list of the main state-owned banks in Indonesia:
- Bank Mandiri (founded on October 2, 1998)
- Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) (founded on July 5, 1946)
- Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) (founded on December 16, 1895)
- Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) (founded on October 16, 1897)
See Return to Tier 1 Capital Growth

Indonesia's banks are seeing a return to Tier 1 capital growth after a decline last year.
Banks in Indonesia have experienced solid gains in Tier 1 capital, showing a positive trend.
The steady GDP growth and high levels of liquidity in Indonesia have put its banks in a strong position.
Despite some potential hurdles, international banks are including Indonesia in their expansion plans.
Indonesia's banks are enjoying a favorable business environment, which is likely contributing to their Tier 1 capital growth.
The country's banks have a lot to offer, with a growing economy and increasing demand for financial services.
Indonesia's banks have a long way to go, but their current growth in Tier 1 capital is a positive step forward.
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NPLs Rising During Pandemic
Bank performance has taken a hit during the pandemic, and one of the most notable effects is the rise in non-performing loans. Bank Negara Indonesia saw its non-performing loan ratio increase from 2.3% in 2019 to 4.2% last year.
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Moves Credit Card Network In-House

Bank Indonesia has recently taken a significant step to reduce foreign influence in the country's payment system by moving its credit card network in-house.
This move is part of a multi-year strategy, as reported by James King.
Indonesia's central bank governor, Perry Warjiyo, is optimistic about the country's future, predicting a bright future on the back of solid monetary policies, and plans to build on this with digitised payments and further infrastructure expenditure.
Bank Indonesia's decision to take control of its credit card network is expected to have a positive impact on the country's financial system.
Perry Warjiyo's vision for a digital future for Indonesia includes increasing GDP growth through digitised payments and infrastructure expenditure.
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Challenges and Opportunities
Indonesia's banking sector is facing a unique set of challenges. The country's high inflation rate, which averaged 3.2% in 2020, is a major concern for banks as it erodes the purchasing power of customers and increases the risk of loan defaults.
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The lack of digital infrastructure in rural areas is another significant challenge, with only 22% of the population having access to internet banking services. This limits the reach of digital banking services and makes it difficult for banks to expand their customer base.
Banks in Indonesia are also struggling to meet the growing demand for Shariah-compliant banking services, with 7.6% of the population already using Islamic banking services.
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Government-Owned
Government-Owned companies often face unique challenges due to their public ownership. They must balance the need to generate revenue with the requirement to serve the public interest.
In some cases, Government-Owned companies have a significant impact on the economy, such as the Saudi Aramco, which is the world's largest oil producer. It generates a substantial portion of the country's revenue.
Government-Owned companies are also often subject to strict regulations, which can limit their ability to innovate and compete in the market. For example, the UK's Royal Mail is required to maintain a universal service obligation, which can be costly.
In contrast, some Government-Owned companies have successfully leveraged their public ownership to drive innovation and growth. The example of Singapore's Temasek Holdings shows how a Government-Owned investment company can use its resources to support start-ups and drive economic development.
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Overview and Prospects
Indonesia's banking sector is a crucial part of the country's economic strength. It caters to a diverse population, offering a range of financial services.
The sector is regulated by strong bodies like the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and the Central Bank of Indonesia (Bank Indonesia). This ensures the sector's stability and growth.
Recent growth has been driven by economic expansion, financial inclusion efforts, and rising consumer demand. Despite challenges like cybersecurity risks and regulatory compliance, the industry is on a steady rise.
Key players in the sector include state-owned banks like Bank Mandiri, BRI, and BNI, alongside private banks like BCA and Bank CIMB Niaga. These banks have posted strong growth in Tier 1 capital.
Here are some key statistics about the top banks in Indonesia:
The government is committed to fostering a supportive regulatory environment, promoting financial inclusion, and encouraging innovation to ensure sustainable development and economic prosperity.
Launches De-Dollarisation Task Force
The Indonesian government is taking steps to reduce its reliance on the US dollar by launching a de-dollarisation task force. This move aims to promote the use of the local currency, the rupiah, in international trade and finance.
Regulatory incentives are being considered to encourage commercial banks to develop their local currency trading and settlement infrastructure. This could lead to a more stable and efficient financial system.
The task force will likely play a crucial role in implementing these changes and ensuring a smooth transition to a more de-dollarised economy.
The Way Forward
As we move forward, it's essential to acknowledge the progress that's been made in addressing the challenges we've discussed.
The fact that 70% of companies are already implementing sustainable practices is a positive sign.
However, there's still a long way to go, especially when it comes to reducing waste and increasing recycling rates.
According to the data, recycling rates have increased by 20% in the past five years, but we're still far from reaching the goal of a 90% recycling rate.
To achieve this, we need to invest in infrastructure and education, as well as encourage consumer behavior change.
By doing so, we can create a more circular economy that benefits both people and the planet.
Innovative technologies, such as waste-to-energy systems, can also play a crucial role in reducing waste and increasing energy efficiency.
These systems have already been implemented in several countries, with impressive results.
Digital Banking and Climate Change
Indonesian banks are under increasing pressure to disclose climate risks, with the country's financial watchdog expecting them to scrutinize their carbon-intensive loan books more closely.
This is a significant challenge, as accurate emissions data remains difficult to obtain.
Indonesia CBG Pursues Digital Growth for GDP Boost
Indonesia's central bank governor, Perry Warjiyo, predicts a bright future for the country on the back of solid monetary policies. He's optimistic about the country's economic growth prospects.
Perry Warjiyo talks about plans to build on this with digitised payments. This is a significant step towards increasing GDP growth.
Indonesia's central bank is seeking a digital route to increasing GDP growth. By leveraging digital payments and further infrastructure expenditure, the country aims to boost its economy.
Perry Warjiyo's vision for Indonesia's future is promising. With solid monetary policies in place, the country is well-positioned for growth.
The central bank's focus on digitised payments is a key part of its strategy. This will help increase financial inclusion and promote economic growth.
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Indonesian FIs Face Climate Disclosure Pressure
Indonesian banks are under increasing pressure to disclose climate risks to their loan books.
The country's financial watchdog is expecting all banks to start scrutinising their carbon-intensive loan books more closely.
Accurate emissions data remains challenging, making it difficult for banks to comply with the new regulations.
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Financing Climate Needs
Indonesia's financial sector has committed $41.7 billion to climate change between 2015 and 2021, but this only constitutes 15% of the country's climate finance needs.
The government's budget can only finance 34% of the total investment required to reach Indonesia's climate targets, leaving a significant gap of $185 billion.
Indonesia has set a target to reduce emissions by up to 43.2% by 2030, with an investment of $285 billion required to achieve this goal.
Loans to the mining sector, which includes coal and nickel production, increased by 43% in 2022, with the sector being one of the largest recipients of investment loans.
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Some banks have started to be more prudent on carbon-intensive sectors, requiring sustainable palm oil certificates for crude palm oil credit and only lending to environmentally responsible miners.
Banks are committed to stopping new loans for carbon-intensive sectors such as coal, but business models and shareholder mandates can sometimes lead to continued financing of these sectors.
Asia on Strike
Indonesia's banks are in a strong position due to steady GDP growth. They're also benefiting from high levels of liquidity.
International banks are taking notice and including Indonesia in their expansion plans. This is a significant development for the country's banking sector.
Indonesia's banks are well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities. Their strong foundation will help them navigate any potential hurdles.
The country's economic growth is a major draw for international banks. They're attracted to the steady GDP growth and high liquidity levels.
Overall, Indonesia's banks are an attractive destination for expansion.
Financing and Economy
Indonesia's financial sector has committed $41.7bn to climate change between 2015 and 2021.
This is a significant amount, but it only constitutes 15% of the country's climate finance needs.
The government's budget can only finance 34% of the total investment required to reach Indonesia's climate targets.
Indonesia is the world's largest nickel producer and third-largest coal producer, with loans to the mining sector increasing by 43% in 2022.
Banks have started to be more prudent on carbon-intensive sectors, requiring sustainable palm oil certificates for crude palm oil credit and only lending to environmentally responsible miners.
Some banks are committed to stopping new loans for carbon-intensive sectors like coal, but others continue to finance these sectors due to business models and shareholder mandates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the big 4 banks in Indonesia?
The big 4 banks in Indonesia are Bank Mandiri, Bank Central Asia (BCA), Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), and Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), which dominate the country's banking industry. These four banks are the largest and most influential financial institutions in Indonesia.
What are the top 3 banks in Indonesia?
The top 3 banks in Indonesia are Bank Mandiri, BCA, and BNI, which together account for 67% of the country's overall net profits. These three banks are among the largest and most influential in Indonesia's banking sector.
Which Indonesian bank is best for foreigners?
For foreigners, Bank Central Asia (BCA) is a recommended option, being the largest privately owned bank in Indonesia. However, it's worth considering other options like Bank Mandiri, BNI, and BRI for a more tailored banking experience.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_banks_in_Indonesia
- https://www.thebanker.com/World/Asia-Pacific/Indonesia
- https://www.globalbrandsmagazine.com/list-of-commercial-banks-in-indonesia/
- https://www.climatepolicyinitiative.org/publication/are-indonesian-banks-ready-to-account-climate-related-matters/
- https://www.pwc.com/id/en/media-centre/pwc-in-news/2024/english/indonesian-banks-under-increasing-regulatory-pressure-to-disclos.html
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