Indonesian Consumers Face Significant Financial Losses from Scams

Rising Consumer Complaints

The National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN) has reported receiving 851 complaints in 2025, with total losses amounting to Rp438.3 billion. This figure highlights the growing concern over consumer protection in Indonesia's financial and creative sectors. The BPKN Chairman, Fitrah Bukhari, stated that the number of complaints has decreased compared to the previous year when they received around 1,800 complaints. However, the financial impact remains substantial.

Sectors Most Affected

The complaints span various sectors, with significant numbers coming from financial services and the creative economy, including music concerts. This trend indicates that consumers are increasingly vulnerable to scams in these areas. The BPKN is working to address these issues through investigations and mediation.

Recovery Efforts

As of now, only Rp23 billion of the lost funds has been recovered. The BPKN is continuing its efforts to resolve the outstanding cases through clarification, verification, and meetings with relevant parties. The agency's work is crucial in providing relief to affected consumers and holding perpetrators accountable.

Implications for Consumer Protection

The high value of losses reported underscores the need for enhanced consumer protection measures in Indonesia. The BPKN's efforts to track and address these complaints are vital in maintaining consumer trust in financial and creative services. As the situation develops, further actions may be necessary to prevent such incidents in the future.