As fintech continues to transform how Indonesians manage, move, and multiply money, there’s one name that consistently shows up behind the scenes: Asosiasi Fintech Indonesia (AFTECH).
AFTECH isn’t just a trade group or lobby—it’s become the nerve center of Indonesia’s booming fintech industry. Since its establishment in 2016 and formal appointment by OJK (Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority) in 2019, AFTECH has grown into the country’s largest and most influential fintech association. With over 350 members, including fintech companies, banks, and tech partners, its mission is clear: drive innovation, advocate smart regulation, and build a more financially inclusive Indonesia.
A Mission Rooted in Collaboration and Inclusion
What sets AFTECH apart is its ability to bring together stakeholders from every corner of the financial ecosystem—startups, regulators, educators, and investors—to shape the direction of digital finance in Indonesia. Whether it’s promoting responsible lending, advancing open finance, or ensuring the safety of e-wallets and digital investments, AFTECH plays a central role in helping new ideas gain traction in a complex regulatory environment.
One of the organization’s strongest contributions is its dedication to financial literacy and youth empowerment. Through its flagship initiative, INFINITY (Indonesia Fintech Youth Community), AFTECH collaborates with universities to educate the next generation on digital banking, insurtech, and responsible fintech use. It’s a long-term investment not just in awareness, but in creating future founders, regulators, and innovators.
Pandu Sjahrir: Leadership That Shapes the Future
Behind this movement is Pandu Sjahrir, the re-elected Chairman of AFTECH for the 2025–2029 term. Pandu isn’t just a name in fintech; he’s one of Indonesia’s most dynamic tech leaders, known for his work as CIO of Danantara and for actively investing in startups that serve Indonesia’s digital economy.
Under Pandu’s leadership, AFTECH has moved from being a policy observer to a proactive policy shaper. During his previous term (2021–2025), he laid the groundwork for deeper engagement with Bank Indonesia, OJK, and even the Ministry of National Development (Bappenas). That foundation is now paying off.
Just months into his second term, AFTECH has already submitted feedback on five key financial regulations, helped craft Indonesia’s AI policy roadmap, and launched the Digital x Real Sector Launchpad, a platform to connect fintech with agriculture, manufacturing, and other sectors of the real economy.
What’s refreshing about Pandu’s approach is his insistence on ethical innovation. In a world where fintech often grows faster than the rules, Pandu is vocal about creating governance models that are scalable and safe. His priorities for the next few years include improved self-regulation, more effective use of data, and deeper public-private partnerships that foster sustainable growth.
More Than Just Tech: A Purpose-Driven Movement
While the buzz around fintech is often about technology, apps, payments, and AI, the real story behind AFTECH is one of people and purpose. The association’s ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide are already having a real impact. From supporting MSMEs through alternative lending to helping young Indonesians invest wisely, AFTECH is building tools that matter to everyday lives.
They are also helping ensure that the fintech boom contributes to Indonesia’s 2045 vision, where the country aspires to become a top global economy. By aligning financial inclusion goals with national development strategies, AFTECH is positioning fintech not just as an industry, but as a critical enabler of Indonesia’s future prosperity.
The rise of fintech in Indonesia is one of the country’s most exciting economic stories, and AFTECH is right at the center of it. With a clear mission, strong leadership, and growing public trust, the association is proving that fintech can be both fast-moving and responsible, inclusive and profitable.
