Why 75% of Indonesians Feel Financially Uncertain
Money stress is real, but small steps can make a big difference. Learn how to take control of your finances and invest confidently with Simpan.
This article is part of Bulan Inklusi Keuangan by Otoritas Jasa Keuangan, an initiative to promote financial literacy and inclusion in Indonesia. Through this campaign, Simpan aims to help more Indonesians feel confident about managing money and investing for their future.
Financial worry is real
Imagine opening your banking app and feeling the knot in your stomach tighten. You’re not alone. A 2023 UOB × BCG survey shows finances top the list of concerns across Southeast Asia. In Indonesia, 75% of people say money is one of their biggest worries. Nearly half (44%) fear they can’t save, 35% worry about affording essentials, and 19% are anxious about maintaining their current lifestyle. Financial stress doesn’t just affect numbers. It affects confidence, plans, and peace of mind.
The emotional toll behind the numbers
These aren’t just statistics. They represent how people feel about their future. Across the region, the inability to save, afford daily needs, or maintain one’s lifestyle ranks above worries about work, health, or the environment. It shows how deeply financial insecurity shapes people’s sense of stability and control.
But there’s a positive shift: more people are taking charge
In response, habits are changing. 73% of Indonesians now track their spending more closely through digital platforms, and about a third have increased their budget for savings (34%) and investments (33%). Small steps like these show that confidence grows when people take practical action.
Start with what you can control
When day-to-day finances feel uncertain, planning for the future can feel overwhelming. Focus on what you can control. Start small, take it step by step, and adjust along the way to what works best for you.
Create a simple budget (daily or weekly) to make expenses feel more manageable.
Divide your money into pockets based on needs and goals. Many digital banks now offer this feature to help you avoid mixing funds.
Prioritize essentials and, if possible, find a side hustle to add a financial cushion.
And when you’re ready to invest, consider working with a licensed fund manager who can take the investment burden off your plate and keep you updated on your portfolio’s progress.
Simpan Takes the Investment Homework Off Your Plate
This is where Simpan steps in. We believe confidence comes from understanding. That’s why we make investment management transparent and easy to follow, so you can see exactly how your money is managed and feel assured in the decisions you’ve made.
Take a closer look at Simpan’s Reksa Dana options. Start with money market funds to manage your short-term cash needs. Then, grow further with government bond and equity funds for your long-term goals. Step by step, you can move from just getting by to feeling confident about your financial future.