Credit Bureau Indonesia (CBI) and the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) have formally launched the CBI SME Bureau, a dedicated online credit information management service designed to enhance financial inclusion and support business development for MSMEs across the archipelago.

The CBI SME Bureau aims to tackle a significant hurdle in MSME financing access: the current lack of credible and verified business credit data. This service has been developed explicitly for MSME business owners and other entities involved with MSMEs.

Indonesia’s Minister of MSMEs, Maman Abdurrahman, said: “Currently, there are over 57 million MSMEs in Indonesia, contributing 61.8 per cent to GDP and employing up to 97 per cent of the national workforce. However, MSME credit still accounts for only 18.7 per cent of total bank credit, reflecting a large financing gap that needs to be bridged.”

“The presence of the CBI SME Bureau as a platform for verifying the credibility of business partners will strengthen the financing ecosystem, especially in the B2B sector. This collaboration is a strategic step to promote business growth and access to safer, more inclusive, and integrated financing for MSMEs,” he added.

The newly launched CBI SME Bureau offers several key features to empower MSMEs:

Comprehensive credit information: The platform provides detailed credit data, including business profiles, credit records, and payment history. This allows MSMEs to gain a clearer understanding of the financial standing of their business partners, facilitating more informed decision-making.

Real-time monitoring and alerts: Users will receive real-time updates regarding changes in the financial status of their MSME partners. This capability enables MSMEs to respond promptly, thereby maintaining stable credit relationships and financial well-being.

Receivables management: The service assists MSMEs in tracking overdue payments and reporting partners who fail to meet their financial obligations. This feature is designed to protect cash flow and support the financial health of MSME businesses.

Building MSME credit profiles for broader access

Temmy Satya Permana, Deputy for Small Enterprises at the Ministry of MSMEs, commented that the partnership would enhance analytical capabilities and policymaking in MSME financing. “The partnership with CBI expands financing options for MSMEs beyond conventional schemes to include alternative financing based on business partnerships. The CBI SME Bureau will be a key tool for financial risk mitigation and building MSME credit profiles — essential for gaining access to formal financing.”

Founded in 2014, CBI provides credit information to foster business growth and financing access across Indonesia. Its ongoing expansion of services includes the development of the CBI SME Bureau unit, specifically dedicated to promoting healthy, inclusive, and sustainable financing access for Indonesian MSMEs.