Improving MSME Loan Accessibility: CLIK and Ministry of Cooperatives Launch National Study

As part of ongoing commitment to build an inclusive and sustainable financing system, PT CRIF Lembaga Informasi Keuangan (CLIK Credit Bureau) continues to strengthen its role in expanding loan access for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia. In collaboration with the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (Kemenkop), CLIK Credit Bureau aims to promote a more efficient, data-driven lending process rooted in sound risk management principles.

Current Landscape of the MSME Lending System

The MSME lending system encompasses the full spectrum of mechanisms, policy framework, and financial institutions that facilitate financing for MSMEs in Indonesia. This system generally includes banking institutions (such as commercial banks and rural banks), non-bank financial institutions (such as cooperatives and fintech lenders), as well as government-sponsored financing programs such as the People’s Business Credit (KUR).

In recent years, the MSME lending ecosystem has seen substantial progress. The government, together with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and Bank Indonesia, has promoted financial inclusion through digitization and interest subsidy programs. One notable initiative is the KUR program, which offers low interest rates (around 6% per year) and more flexible collateral requirements, helping MSMEs gain access formal financing.

Furthermore, the rise of fintech lenders has opened new opportunities, especially for MSMEs that previously struggled to meet traditional bank loan requirements. Leveraging technology and alternative credit scoring models—such as those based on digital transaction data—many fintech lenders offer faster, more accessible loan application processes, though often at higher interest rates.

Despite these advances, challenges persist. Many MSMEs still face barriers such as low financial literacy, limited access to collateral, and lack of formal registration or proper financial documentation.

CLIK Credit Bureau Collaborates with Kemenkop to Improve MSME Loan Accessibility

PT CRIF Lembaga Informasi Keuangan (CLIK Credit Bureau) has established a strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs to enhance MSME loan accessibility through a data-driven and policy-based approach. The first phase of this collaboration was completed in February 2025, focusing on a comprehensive study of the current state of MSME actors and the lending mechanisms employed by financial institutions.

This research aims to support the government’s goal of streamlining credit processes while upholding sound risk management by financial institutions. In addition to examining regulations under the Ministry’s jurisdiction, the team also reviewed banking loan disbursement procedures. The findings of this initial phase were positively received by the Ministry and laid a solid foundation for future development.

CLIK Credit Bureau Aims to Deliver Tangible Support for MSME Growth

The successful completion of the initial phase marks an important milestone for CLIK Credit Bureau in its mission to build a more inclusive financing ecosystem for MSMEs. CLIK is targeting the implementation of concrete solutions in the next phase, with a strong emphasis on efficiency, transparency, and the use of robust data as the foundation for loan decision-making.

By fostering close cooperation between the public and private sectors, CLIK reaffirms its commitment to being a trusted partner to both the government and financial institutions. This collaboration not only enhances MSME lending infrastructure but also contributes to broader economic growth through deeper integration of public policy and financial technology.