Inclusive Village-Based Finance Gains Momentum in East Nusa Tenggara: KOLTIVA Supports Multi-Stakeholders Initiative to Strengthen Local Economies

This article is adapted from:

• https://fokusnusatenggara.com/ekbis/otoritas-jasa-provinsi-ntt-dorong-keuangan-inklusif-berbasis-desa/

• https://timexkupang.fajar.co.id/2025/06/23/ojk-ntt-dorong-keuangan-inklusif-berbasis-desa-dan-desa-jadi-subjek-utama-penggerak-ekonomi-lokal/

On June 20, 2025, the Financial Services Authority of East Nusa Tenggara (OJK NTT) brought together village leaders, financial institutions, and development partners in Desa Kaliuda, Sumba Timur, to kick off the second phase of the Desa Ekosistem Keuangan Inklusif (Desa EKI) program. According to Japarmen Manalu, Head of OJK NTT, “the Desa EKI program is a concrete demonstration of OJK’s commitment to village development as an integral part of the national financial inclusion strategy. It aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and President Prabowo Subianto’s vision, particularly Point 6: Building from the Village Up for Equitable Growth and Poverty Eradication.”

Despite national strides, financial literacy at 66.46% and inclusion at 80.51%, NTT faces persistent rural gaps. The SNLIK 2025 survey shows that rural communities in NTT record just 59.60% financial literacy and 75.70% inclusion, while farmers, fishers, and plantation workers register an even lower 58.87% literacy and 69.40% inclusion, highlighting the urgent need for tailored, ground-up interventions. Earlier SNLIK 2022 data had already revealed NTT’s literacy lag at 51.95% despite a higher inclusion rate of 85.97%, underscoring a disconnect between understanding and use of formal financial services.

Desa Kaliuda was chosen as the first Desa EKI pilot for its strong local economies, solid support from regional authorities, and active community engagement. The program unfolds in three continuous stages:

1. Pre-Incubation: Mapping community needs and economic potential 

2. Incubation: Delivering financial literacy education and hands-on guidance 

3. Post-Incubation: Fostering active utilization and forming a resilient village financial ecosystem 

   
   

In 2025, Desa EKI deepens its emphasis on practical financial tools: family financial planning workshops, deployment of village banking agents, microinsurance schemes, workplace accident coverage, voluntary pension offerings, and access to micro-financing products such as Kredit Mikro Merdeka from BPD NTT .

The initiative relies on a multi-stakeholder coalition: OJK NTT leads regulatory design and licensing; the Regional Financial Access Acceleration Team (TPAKD) manages district rollout; the International Labour Organization provides technical oversight; PT ASTIL Sumba Timur drives field mobilization; and PT Koltiva contributes digital innovation support.

To complement this expanding financial infrastructure, Koltiva, working under ILO guidance, will integrate its FarmCloud platform into Desa Kaliuda’s pilot workflows. Producers and fishers will engage with an AI-powered chatbot for 24/7 agronomic advice and access bite-sized digital modules on integrated farm management and sustainable aquaculture. Lessons learned in Desa Kaliuda will inform subsequent rollouts to other villages, ensuring that enhanced financial services translate into concrete gains in productivity, income, and community resilience.