The Trap of Online Loans in the Land of Sharia: Unpacking the Online Loan Crisis Afflicting Aceh
Aceh Province, which formally implements Islamic law, is facing a crisis with online loans (pinjol). Data from the Aceh Financial Services Authority (OJK) recorded 1,987 reports of illegal financial activities from November 2024 to May 2025, mostly related to illegal online loans. In May 2025, there were 139 complaints about illegal online loans, with the majority of reporters being women. The transaction value of online loans in Aceh reached IDR 158 billion in March 2025. The largest user groups are teachers (42%), followed by layoff victims (20%), housewives (18%), and others.
This phenomenon is part of a national crisis, where outstanding online loans in Indonesia soared from IDR 13.16 trillion in 2019 to over IDR 101 trillion by March 2026. The OJK has tightened supervision, blocked thousands of illegal entities, and set maximum interest rate caps. International attention has also emerged regarding the role of “finfluencers” in encouraging loans without understanding the risks.
The modus operandi of illegal online loans includes lacking OJK licensing, excessive access to personal data, non-transparent interest rates, and threats during collection. For Aceh, a sharia-compliant approach is recommended, including legality verification, stopping interest payments if illegal, and financial recovery through worship and budget discipline.
It requires synergy in financial education, law enforcement, and strengthening sharia-compliant financing alternatives to protect the public from harmful debt traps.
https://www.harianaceh.co.id/2