Business · Economy · 2 days ago
Indonesian Online Lenders May Use Phone Data to Assess Borrowers
Online lenders in Indonesia may use alternative information to assess people applying for loans.
Kuseryansyah, an official with the Indonesian fintech lending association AFPI, said this can include telecommunications and social media data.
He gave a phone number that has been active for 10 years as one example of information that could contribute to a basic assessment.
This approach can help lenders consider people who may not have the credit-score information used by conventional finance companies.
The wider aim, he said, is to extend access to loans beyond middle- and higher-income groups.
As of November 2025, online lending balances stood at Rp94.85 trillion, while estimates put the national financing shortfall at Rp1,650 trillion.
A 2026 study estimate put the financing needs of small and medium-sized businesses at Rp4,300 trillion, with a credit gap of Rp2,400 trillion.
A phone number that has been active for 10 years can help online lenders assess a loan applicant, according to an Indonesian fintech association representative.
Kuseryansyah said lenders can use telecommunications and social media data as alternatives to conventional credit scores.
He said a phone number’s history could provide a basic score without checking an applicant’s savings or salary.
He also said people with lower incomes should have access to loans.
Indonesia’s online lending sector faces a large gap between financing needs and available funding.
- Who
- Kuseryansyah of the Indonesian Joint Funding Fintech Association (AFPI) described the approach.
- What
- Online lenders may use telecommunications data, including how long a phone number has been active, to assess applicants.
- When
- Kuseryansyah spoke on August 6, 2026. The article was published on October 10, 2026.
- Where
- Hotel Aryaduta, Jakarta.
- Why
- Alternative data can help assess applicants without relying on conventional credit scores, savings or salary.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
We look at telecommunications data, just one number, a mobile phone number that has been active for 10 years. From that, you already have a basic score. It’s very simple; you don’t need to look at savings and salary.
Those entitled to access loans are not only the middle and upper classes. Lower-income people are entitled to loans too.
Outstanding online lending financing was recorded at Rp94.85 trillion, up 25.45% year on year.
Kuseryansyah discussed using telecommunications data to assess loan applicants at Hotel Aryaduta in Jakarta.
A study estimated that financing needs for micro, small and medium enterprises could reach Rp4,300 trillion, with a credit gap of Rp2,400 trillion.
- Phone number history
- 10 years of activity can provide a basic score, according to Kuseryansyah.
- Online lending financing
- Rp94.85 trillion outstanding in November 2025.
- Year-on-year growth
- 25.45% in November 2025.
- National financing needs
- Estimated at Rp2,650 trillion, with a financing gap of about Rp1,650 trillion through the end of 2025.
- MSME financing needs
- Estimated at Rp4,300 trillion in 2026, with a credit gap of Rp2,400 trillion.
Sources
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