Indonesia continues to update its banking regulations, and one of the country’s major banks, PermataBank, has officially announced new changes affecting savings and current account holders.
Until recently, many customers rarely thought about whether their bank account was being actively used. Cards could remain untouched for months or even years — especially among foreigners who live in Indonesia seasonally or only use a local bank account while staying in Bali. However, banks are now paying much closer attention to customer activity.
Under the updated policy, accounts will be classified into several categories depending on how actively they are used. An account is considered active if there are transactions such as transfers, cash withdrawals, or even balance checks. If an account remains unused for an extended period, its status may first become “inactive” and later “dormant.”
These changes are based on Indonesia’s new financial regulation, POJK No. 24 of 2025. The goal is to strengthen banking security, reduce the number of abandoned accounts, and minimize the risks of fraud and illegal financial activity.
The most significant change concerns inactive accounts: if an account maintains a zero balance for six consecutive months, the bank may automatically close it. The new rules at PermataBank will take effect starting May 9, 2026.
For PermataBank customers, this means it is now important to use their accounts periodically. Even if the account is only needed for occasional trips to Indonesia, the bank recommends carrying out simple actions from time to time, such as making a small transfer, withdrawing funds, or checking the balance through the banking app. If there is no activity for a prolonged period, access to the account may eventually be restricted until the customer completes re-verification at a bank branch.
This is especially relevant for foreigners and expats who open Indonesian bank accounts for rent payments, daily expenses, or receiving transfers, and then leave the country for extended periods. Many users of Indonesian banks are already discussing similar situations online, noting that restoring a dormant account may sometimes require a personal visit to the bank along with additional document verification.
At the same time, PermataBank emphasizes that these measures are primarily intended to improve customer protection and increase transparency within the banking system. For most users, the new policy is unlikely to create major inconvenience as long as the account is used occasionally.
The main takeaway is simple: if you have an account with PermataBank and live in Indonesia or visit periodically, avoid leaving the account completely inactive for long periods. Even minimal activity can help keep the account active and prevent unexpected restrictions in the future.
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