Indonesian regions receive TPAKD awards for financial access

The city of Ambon and the province of South Sumatra have received significant honors at the 2026 TPAKD Awards for their efforts in accelerating regional financial access.

Ambon secured first place in the Eastern Regional category, covering 11 provinces including Maluku, North Maluku, Nusa Tenggara, and Papua. Mayor Bodewin M. Wattimena emphasized that the achievement should translate into tangible benefits for the community, specifically through easier access to banking and financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Key initiatives include the 'One Account One Student' movement and the digitalization of transactions via QRIS.

South Sumatra was named the best national performer for the Sumatra region. A major driver of this success is the '100,000 Sultan Muda Sumsel' program, which integrates financial literacy with entrepreneurship. This ecosystem has facilitated significant economic growth, including the direct export of coffee from Palembang to markets such as the United Arab Emirates, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Australia. The program has also supported substantial credit realization and international trade agreements.