In the rapidly evolving digital economy in Indonesia, the concept of financial inclusion fintech Indonesia has become a key strategic priority. At the heart of this movement is a recognition that providing access to formal financial services alone is not sufficient. The real challenge lies in educating and empowering previously underbanked and unbanked populations so they can participate confidently and responsibly in the digital finance ecosystem.

One recent milestone in this space was the participation of KrediOne in FinEXPO 2025 in Surabaya, where the company showcased interactive financial-literacy initiatives and underscored its commitment to promoting inclusive and responsible digital finance. According to media reports, KrediOne has already disbursed approximately IDR 9.7 trillion in funding by September 2025 to millions of beneficiaries across Indonesia.

In this article, we explore how the concept of financial inclusion fintech Indonesia is being translated into action by KrediOne and other stakeholders, the significance of such efforts for Indonesia’s economic and social objectives, and what lies ahead in building a more inclusive digital finance ecosystem.

The Imperative of Financial Inclusion in Indonesia

Globally, financial inclusion refers to the accessibility and usage of useful and affordable financial services by individuals and businesses, especially those traditionally excluded. In Indonesia, despite significant progress, large segments of the population remain underbanked or unbanked, limiting their ability to save, borrow responsibly, or invest in their future.

Fintech firms are now at the forefront of bridging that gap. The phrase financial inclusion fintech Indonesia captures the synergetic role of digital financial services and inclusive access. These firms leverage technology to reach remote regions, simplify onboarding, reduce cost barriers, and tailor solutions to customers’ needs. However, access alone is not enough—it must be coupled with financial literacy and consumer protection to ensure sustainable participation.

In that sense, KrediOne underscores the principle that “inclusion doesn’t stop at access; it also means building public trust through education and literacy.” The recent step of exhibiting at FinEXPO 2025 emphasises that holistic approach.

KrediOne’s Engagement at FinEXPO 2025: A Case Study

At FinEXPO 2025, held in Surabaya from 23 to 26 October under the theme “Inklusi Keuangan untuk Semua, Rakyat Sejahtera, Indonesia Maju”, KrediOne actively took part in the exhibition and other outreach programmes.

Booth and Interactive Education

The company set up an interactive booth designed as an educational space where visitors could engage with digital-finance simulations and understand safe digital transaction practices, particularly about protecting personal data and distinguishing between regulated online loans and illegal lending services. This approach aligns with its broader mission of enhancing financial literacy, an indispensable pillar in financial inclusion.

Collaboration with Regulators and Media

Beyond the exhibition, KrediOne held an audience with the regional office of Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK) in East Java to further strengthen oversight and innovation of digital-financial services. The company also visited local media outlets in Surabaya to extend the reach of financial-literacy messages. This triangulation of industry-regulator-media underscores the ecosystem approach required for meaningful financial inclusion.

Funding and Reach

As of September 2025, KrediOne reported disbursement of IDR 9.7 trillion in financing to millions of beneficiaries throughout Indonesia. This scale of outreach demonstrates that fintech can play a serious role in expanding financial inclusion across the archipelago, especially toward underbanked or unbanked segments.

Why Financial Inclusion Matters: Impacts and Implications

Expanding financial inclusion via fintech has wide-ranging implications for Indonesian society and economy.

Enhancing Economic Participation

When individuals can access savings, credit, insurance and payments via digital channels, it empowers them to meaningfully participate in the economy, whether as consumers, entrepreneurs, or employees. Fintech platforms like KrediOne widen the funnel of who can get financing, especially those excluded by traditional banking due to geography, cost, or documentation barriers.

Building Resilience and Reducing Vulnerability

Financially included individuals are better positioned to absorb shocks—such as medical emergencies, crop failures, or job loss—when they have access to formal financial services rather than resorting to costly informal borrowing. The literacy dimension is critical here: knowing how to borrow, repay, and protect oneself from predatory loans matters. KrediOne’s educational campaign about recognising illegal online lending highlights this concern.

Supporting Indonesia’s Digital Economy and Government Goals

Indonesia aims to accelerate its digital-economy transformation and broaden the base of its formal financial sector. Financial inclusion fintech Indonesia supports these strategic ambitions. Moreover, by reaching previously unbanked populations, the government improves its ability to promote welfare, monitor financial flows, and mobilise savings for growth.

Challenges and the Way Forward for Financial Inclusion Fintech Indonesia

Even as fintech advances inclusion, several challenges remain.

Ensuring Consumer Protection and Trust

Fintech firms must anchor their services in regulatory compliance, transparency, and consumer protection. When users distrust digital finance, or fear scams and illegal loans, uptake may stall. That’s why education and literacy campaigns—such as those by KrediOne—are critical.

Digital Divide and Financial Literacy Gaps

While digital platforms enable reach, many Indonesians still lack digital infrastructure, basic financial knowledge, or confidence to adopt online financial tools. Bridging that literacy gap remains urgent for meaningful inclusion.

Sustaining and Scaling Inclusive Models

Financial inclusion is not a one-time event but a sustained mission. Fintech platforms need to design products tailored to low-income segments, deliver user-friendly onboarding, ensure risk-based pricing, and monitor outcomes. For example, KrediOne’s interactive booth and media outreach reflect a shift from short-term marketing to long-term ecosystem building.

Collaboration Across Stakeholders

A recurring theme in successful inclusion efforts: coordinated action across fintech firms, regulators (like OJK), government, and media. KrediOne’s approach at FinEXPO 2025 demonstrates how ecosystem collaboration helps amplify reach and build credibility.

The participation of KrediOne at FinEXPO 2025 exemplifies how the concept of financial inclusion fintech Indonesia is evolving from rhetoric into practice. By combining digital access, funding scale (IDR 9.7 trillion disbursed), interactive education, and stakeholder collaboration, KrediOne is contributing to a more inclusive, literate, and responsible digital-finance ecosystem in Indonesia.

As fintech continues to proliferate, the focus must remain on the “inclusion” part, not simply providing services but enabling people to use them wisely. The lessons from this event, and from KrediOne’s model, point to three imperatives: widen access, build trust through literacy, and collaborate across sectors.

For Indonesia, the rewards are clear: broader participation in the digital economy, stronger financial resilience at the individual and community levels, and a more integrated financial system supporting national growth. The journey of financial inclusion fintech Indonesia is well underway, and firms like KrediOne are helping steer it forward.