President Joko Widodo Discusses Financial Inclusion with Queen Maxima

Presiden Joko Widodo accompanied by First Lady Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo receives the visit of Queen Maxima, as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development, on Thursday (1/9) morning, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta (Picture: Public Relations Office/Rahmat)

President Joko Widodo raised the issue of financial inclusion when receiving a courtesy call of the Queen of the Netherlands, Queen Maxima, as the United Nations Secretary- General’s Special Advocate (UNSGSA) for Inclusive Finance for Development, at the Merdeka Palace, on Thursday (1/9) morning.

“Since the Queen has a role in the UN, the World Bank, and also big foundations, I asked her to support us to develop our financial inclusion faster,” the President said after having a meeting for about one hour.

As a follow up of the previous meeting in the Netherlands, the President explained that last Wednesday (31/8), Queen Maxima directly checked the students’ saving, directly interviewed the students, and checked the real implementation of e-kios and e-warung.

Regarding with farmers’ and fishermen’s micro businesses, the President asked to prepare the regulations so they can have access to the bank. The President also asked assisstance to rapidly materialize it. “I ask technical assisstance from the UN through Queen Maxima,” he said.

In regards to fintech, the President wants this area to be developed. Moreover, he already met a number of young people who have applications and softwares for fintech.

“She (Queen Maxima) has chosen two persons who will get assistance to improve their financial condition in order to accelerate fintech in Indonesia, the President said.

The President also asked Financial Services Authority (OJK) and Bank Indonesia to give support to micro businesses, in terms of regulations on microfinance, on fintech, and collateral.

“I think this is important because Indonesia has huge amount of micro and small businesses,” the President said.

The President believes, the results of the support and effort to accelerate the financial inclusion program can be seen in Indonesia’s economic growth.

When receiving the visit of Queen Maxima, President Joko Widodo was accompanied by First Lady Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo. (DNA/ES)(MMB/YM/Naster)