Mas Eri’s Story

Mas Eri is a 36 year old printmaker from rural Lamongan who borrows from a digital lending service. He run a small printmaking shop with his friend. He is in need of money typically for his business production capital when he received order from customer.

He has experience taking loan in micro finance and a cooperative. Although the interest is high, he still took it as he has no option nor relatives to lend from. He never borrow from bank as he doesn't have any collaterals.

Though the total amount is doubled, he didn’t have any other choices but to take it. Or else, he cannot accept the printmaking order and it will hugely impact his family cash flow. He borrowed IDR 3 million from digital lending to buy printmaking tools. He needs to pay IDR 350,000 monthly over 18 months; this repayment scheme works for his financial capability.

“What choice? I don’t have collateral for (taking loan in) the bank. I ask my relatives, but their condition is not any better.” - Mas Eri

He tried to apply to a digital lending to take smartphone instalment. He tried a brand that many of his friend use it. He has tried a couple of times but it is always fail in E-KYC process. He tried again after a couple of months but it still failed so he stopped.