Only 14% of Indonesians feel financially secure despite resilience gains, Sun Life finds

Only 14% of Indonesians describe themselves as feeling very financially secure, highlighting the gap between economic pressures and personal confidence, even as overall financial resilience shows signs of improvement, according to the latest Sun Life Asia Financial Resilience Index 2026.

The study, conducted with research partner Genpop in April 2026 among 1,000 respondents aged 18 and above across Indonesia, found that the proportion of people classified as having high financial resilience rose to 34%, up from 30% a year earlier. However, concerns over family responsibilities, rising living costs and future financial preparedness continue to weigh heavily on households.

According to the study, 77% of respondents do not yet feel secure in meeting their family's financial responsibilities. Meanwhile, 26% experience financial stress every week, and 23% have had to dip into savings to cover day-to-day expenses.

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The pressure is compounded by concerns over inflation and household budgets. Only 4% of respondents said they feel prepared for further increases in the cost of living, suggesting that many consumers remain vulnerable to additional economic shocks.

Despite these challenges, there are signs that Indonesians are taking steps to strengthen their financial foundations. Nearly half (45%) said they could sustain their living expenses for more than six months without income, while confidence in achieving long-term financial goals reached 68%.

The study also found that long-term financial planning has a significant impact on confidence levels. Respondents with a long-term financial plan were more than three times as likely to believe they could achieve their financial goals compared with those without one, at 86% versus 25%.

"For many Indonesians, financial security is not only about themselves, but also about their ability to fulfil responsibilities towards their families and loved ones. The findings of this study show that although economic challenges continue to be felt, more people are beginning to take positive steps to strengthen their financial foundations," said Albertus Wiroyo, president director of Sun Life Indonesia.

"Amid constantly changing conditions, the presence of a trusted financial partner is becoming increasingly important in helping people build financial resilience, navigate uncertainty with greater peace of mind, and achieve their long-term financial goals."

The report also highlights the growing role of technology in financial decision-making. Some 68% of Indonesians said they have used generative AI to obtain financial information and guidance, while 67% expect their use of the technology to increase over the next 12 months.

However, the study stresses that technology alone is not enough. Financial literacy remains a critical factor in determining how effectively consumers interpret information and make informed decisions.

Individuals with stronger financial literacy demonstrated significantly higher levels of financial confidence and optimism about their future finances. The research suggests that knowledge and preparedness increasingly determine how well people can navigate uncertainty, regardless of income level.

"Technology has broadened access to financial information, but financial literacy and sound planning remain the fundamental pillars of building financial security," added Wiroyo.

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