BI Sees Growth In Balikpapan Property Market Driven By IKN

Ria Sartika    Sunday, April 05, 2026    Comment   

BI Sees Growth In Balikpapan Property Market Driven By IKN

Bank Indonesia predicts housing demand in Balikpapan will rise in 2026 as IKN development continues and mortgage financing remains dominant.

Balikpapan, East Kalimantan — Bank Indonesia (BI) projects that housing demand in Balikpapan will increase in 2026, driven by the continued development of Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) and the gradual recovery of industrial activity in the region.

Head of BI’s Balikpapan Representative Office, Robi Ariadi, said the second phase of IKN construction is expected to boost worker mobility, which in turn will create additional demand for housing.

“The continuation of IKN development and the increasing industrial activity are expected to drive higher worker mobility, providing additional momentum for the housing market,” he said on Saturday.

Mortgage Financing Remains Key Driver

BI noted that mortgage loans (KPR) continue to play a dominant role in supporting Balikpapan’s property sector. By the end of 2025, total mortgage disbursement reached approximately Rp4.97 trillion, accounting for 78 percent of all housing transactions.

According to Robi, mortgages remain the preferred option for most homebuyers as they allow long-term installment payments, especially given that property prices in Balikpapan are generally beyond the reach of cash buyers.

Mortgage lending grew by 4.16 percent year-on-year. Although this growth is slower compared to previous periods, it indicates that housing financing remains relatively stable.

Larger Homes Gain Traction

Despite a slower pace in the residential market overall, demand for landed houses remains steady. Notably, larger house types recorded stronger sales toward the end of 2025.

This trend reflects continued activity among certain buyer segments, particularly those seeking more spacious homes or possessing stronger financial capacity.

Credit Risk Remains Manageable

From a risk perspective, BI reported that non-performing loans (NPL) in the housing sector remain below 5 percent. This suggests that borrowers’ repayment capacity remains stable despite ongoing economic adjustments.

The relatively low NPL level is seen as a positive signal for both the banking sector and the overall resilience of Balikpapan’s property market.

IKN’s Spillover Effect On Balikpapan

As one of the main supporting cities for IKN, Balikpapan is expected to see sustained growth in housing demand in the coming years. Increased worker mobility, industrial expansion, and the need for residential space are key contributing factors.

With these developments, the property sector is projected to remain one of the key pillars supporting regional economic growth.

FAQ

1. Why is housing demand in Balikpapan expected to rise?
Due to ongoing IKN development and increased industrial activity that drives worker mobility.

2. How much mortgage financing has been disbursed?
Approximately Rp4.97 trillion as of the end of 2025.

3. Is the property market in Balikpapan growing?
Yes, it remains stable with growth in certain segments like larger homes.

4. Are mortgages still the main financing option?
Yes, accounting for 78 percent of total housing transactions.

5. What is the current level of credit risk?
Non-performing loans remain below 5 percent, indicating stable repayment capacity.

Bank Indonesia Reports Sharp QRIS Growth in East Kalimantan 2026

Ria Sartika    Friday, March 27, 2026    Comment   

Bank Indonesia Reports Sharp QRIS Growth in East Kalimantan 2026

QRIS usage in East Kalimantan rises to 859K users in early 2026, driven by rapid merchant growth and increasing digital payment adoption.

The digital payment landscape in East Kalimantan is showing strong momentum at the start of 2026. Bank Indonesia, through its regional office, reported a significant increase in QRIS adoption across the province.

Head of the Bank Indonesia Representative Office in East Kalimantan, Jajang Hermawan, stated that as of January 2026, the number of QRIS users in the region had reached 859.2 thousand.

“This figure reflects growth compared to December 2025, when users stood at 850.8 thousand. It shows increasing public trust and reliance on digital transactions,” he said in Samarinda.

Merchant Growth Supports Digital Expansion

The growth trend is also evident in the number of merchants adopting QRIS. According to Bank Indonesia data, merchant numbers rose from 798.2 thousand in December 2025 to 808.0 thousand in January 2026.

Jajang emphasized that this expansion is more than just following trends—it represents a strategic move by businesses.

“Businesses are adapting quickly. QRIS helps improve operational efficiency and enhances transaction transparency,” he explained.

The adoption of QRIS has become a key pillar in strengthening the region’s digital economic ecosystem.

Cash Circulation Remains Stable

Despite the rapid shift toward digital payments, cash circulation in East Kalimantan remains stable.

During the same period, the banking sector recorded a net inflow of approximately Rp2.9 trillion, indicating that more money entered banks than left them.

This condition signals a healthy regional economy.

“Banking liquidity at the start of the year remains well maintained. Even with massive digital adoption, conventional economic activities continue to run smoothly and under control,” Jajang added.

Digitalization Drives Regional Economy

The surge in QRIS usage highlights the accelerating digital transformation in East Kalimantan.

With broader adoption, people now have more convenient, secure, and efficient payment options.

Looking ahead, Bank Indonesia remains optimistic that this growth will continue, supported by increasing digital financial literacy and wider participation from businesses.

FAQ

1. What is QRIS?

QRIS is a national QR code standard that enables seamless digital payments across different payment platforms.

2. Why is QRIS growing in East Kalimantan?

Because more consumers and businesses are shifting to fast, convenient digital payment methods.

3. How many QRIS users are there in 2026?

As of January 2026, there are approximately 859.2 thousand users.

4. What impact does QRIS have on the economy?

It improves transaction efficiency, transparency, and supports regional digital economic growth.

5. Is cash still being used?

Yes, cash transactions remain active and stable despite rising digital adoption.

Foreign Funds Might Flee But BI Keeps Rupiah and Inflation in Check

Ria Sartika    Sunday, February 08, 2026    Comment   

Foreign Funds Might Flee But BI Keeps Rupiah and Inflation in Check

Foreign Funds Might Flee But BI Keeps Rupiah and Inflation in Check.

Lately, everyone’s talking about foreign money that could suddenly pull out of Indonesia. The buzz started after Indonesia’s bond outlook got a downgrade, and naturally, the market felt the heat. The rupiah dipped a bit, and investors sold off some government bonds, mostly short- and medium-term.

But don’t panic. Bank Indonesia (BI) is on it. They promise to keep the rupiah stable and inflation under control. Their approach? Growth-friendly, meaning they want the economy to keep moving even when global pressures hit. According to BI, their stress tests show the financial system is solid and banks have strong capital.

Why does this matter to you? Stable currency and low inflation aren’t just numbers—they affect your wallet. When the rupiah is stable, everyday prices don’t spike unexpectedly. Inflation under control keeps your buying power safe. So, BI’s actions trickle down straight to daily life.

For investors, this is a reminder to stay smart. Diversifying your portfolio can help minimize risks during volatile times. For regular folks, keeping an eye on economic trends helps manage household budgets better and avoid surprises when prices shift.

Overall, even if some foreign money leaves, BI’s steps make sure the rupiah holds and inflation stays manageable. The key takeaway? Stay informed, manage your money wisely, and don’t freak out over market swings. Indonesia’s economy has buffers, and with the right mindset, your finances can stay safe too.

21 Bags of Shredded Rupiah Found at Illegal Dump in Bekasi, Here’s the Real Story

Ria Sartika    Thursday, February 05, 2026    Comment   

21 Bags of Shredded Rupiah Found at Illegal Dump in Bekasi, Here’s the Real Story

21 Bags of Shredded Rupiah Found at Illegal Dump in Bekasi, Here’s the Real Story.

Residents of Bekasi Regency were left stunned after dozens of sacks filled with shredded Indonesian rupiah were discovered at an illegal trash dumping site. The bizarre find took place in Taman Rahayu Village, Setu District, and quickly went viral after authorities confirmed the money originated from Bank Indonesia (BI).

In total, 21 large bags of shredded rupiah banknotes were found dumped in the open area. The discovery immediately raised red flags, prompting police and government agencies to step in, given the sensitive nature of state-issued currency and the risk of potential misuse.

Bekasi Metro Police Chief Kombes Pol Sumarni confirmed that investigators had coordinated directly with Bank Indonesia. According to her, the shredded banknotes were verified as old rupiah bills that are no longer in circulation.

“We’ve checked with Bank Indonesia, and it’s confirmed these are shredded BI banknotes, no longer valid,” Sumarni said during a press briefing in Jakarta.

She also emphasized that the money fragments are authentic rupiah and have now been secured as evidence for further investigation.

21 Bags of Shredded Rupiah Found at Illegal Dump in Bekasi, Here’s the Real Story.

Backing up the statement, Metro Jaya Police spokesperson Kombes Pol Budi Hermanto said the case is being closely monitored by both Setu Police and Bekasi Metro Police. Officers have secured samples of the shredded money and sent them for forensic testing.

“The samples are being examined to confirm their type and authenticity through forensic analysis,” Budi explained.

Police didn’t stop there. Investigators questioned several witnesses, including the landowner, site managers, and coordinated with the Bekasi Environmental Agency (DLH) to trace how the shredded BI currency ended up at an illegal dumping site in the first place.

Setu Police Chief AKP Usep Aramsyah said securing the 21 bags was a preventive move.

“We secured them to make sure they aren’t misused by irresponsible parties,” he stated.

From the local government side, DLH Bekasi spokesperson Dedi Kurniawan confirmed the findings after an on-site inspection.

“Yes, the shredded material is real rupiah currency,” Dedi said.

DLH is now working with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and law enforcement to investigate the disposal process and prevent similar incidents from happening again.

Meanwhile, the landowner, Santo (65), claimed he had no idea the dumped material was shredded money. He said the waste was used to fill land for garbage sorting activities.

“I needed landfill material. If I had to pay for it myself, I couldn’t afford it. Someone dumped it, so I used it. I honestly didn’t know it was shredded money,” Santo said.

Authorities continue to dig deeper into the case. The discovery of 21 bags of shredded rupiah at an illegal dump in Bekasi has sparked public concern and raised serious questions about how sensitive materials like destroyed state currency are handled. For now, the public is waiting for answers—especially how BI’s shredded money ended up in a location easily accessed by residents.