In the vibrant landscapes of Bali and Nusa Tenggara, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of local economies. Recognizing their pivotal role, Amartha, a leading Indonesian peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform, has significantly expanded its financing initiatives in these regions.

As of the first quarter of 2025, Amartha has successfully provided financing to over 200,000 MSMEs in Bali and Nusa Tenggara, disbursing more than IDR 1.6 trillion. This substantial investment underscores Amartha's commitment to fostering economic growth and financial inclusion in areas beyond Java.

Strategic Expansion Beyond Java

Amartha's focus on Bali and Nusa Tenggara aligns with its broader strategy to extend financial services to underserved regions. With 60% of its financing portfolio now outside Java, the company is actively addressing the financing gap faced by MSMEs in these areas.

The deployment of over 900 field officers in Bali and Nusa Tenggara has been instrumental in reaching entrepreneurs in remote locations. These officers not only facilitate loan disbursements but also provide financial literacy training, ensuring that borrowers can effectively manage and grow their businesses.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

A significant portion of Amartha's financing supports women-led enterprises, reflecting the company's dedication to gender-inclusive economic development. By providing accessible financing options, Amartha empowers women entrepreneurs to expand their businesses, contribute to household incomes, and play a more active role in their communities.

This focus on women entrepreneurs also contributes to broader social benefits, including improved education and health outcomes for families, as increased income enables better access to essential services.

Innovative Credit Scoring for the Unbanked

Traditional banking systems often overlook MSMEs due to a lack of formal credit history. To bridge this gap, Amartha has developed an innovative credit scoring system tailored to the unique characteristics of micro-entrepreneurs in rural areas.

This system assesses creditworthiness based on alternative data sources, such as community reputation and business performance, enabling Amartha to extend financing to previously unbanked individuals. By leveraging technology, the company ensures that deserving entrepreneurs have the opportunity to access capital and grow their enterprises.

Driving Economic Development

The infusion of capital into MSMEs in Bali and Nusa Tenggara has a ripple effect on local economies. As businesses expand, they create employment opportunities, increase demand for local goods and services, and contribute to the overall economic vitality of their communities.

Moreover, by supporting sectors such as agriculture, retail, and services, Amartha's financing initiatives help diversify regional economies, making them more resilient to external shocks and market fluctuations.

Collaborations and Future Outlook

Amartha's success in Bali and Nusa Tenggara is bolstered by strategic collaborations with international development finance institutions. Recent partnerships have secured substantial funding to further expand MSME financing, particularly for women-led businesses in rural areas.

Looking ahead, Amartha plans to continue its expansion across Indonesia, with a focus on regions with limited access to formal financial services. By combining technological innovation with a deep understanding of local contexts, the company aims to drive inclusive economic growth nationwide.