Liga Asuransi – The insurance industry in Indonesia is facing major challenges, starting from the financial crisis which forced companies such as AJB Bumiputera 1912 to carry out mass layoffs, to the corruption scandal which has resurfaced at Jiwasraya. In the midst of this uncertainty, developments in artificial intelligence (AI) technology are also starting to change the industrial landscape, creating an urgent need for experts who are able to manage and apply AI effectively. How will this crisis impact the insurance industry, and what solutions can be implemented? Check out the complete review along with seven of the latest insurance news which will provide a comprehensive picture of the current conditions of this sector.
Mass Layoff of 800 Employees! AJB Bumiputera 1912 Insurance Performs Efficiency in the Midst of the Financial Crisis
The management of Bumiputera 1912 Joint Life Insurance (AJB) confirmed that it would carry out mass layoffs (PHK) for around 800 employees as part of efficiency measures. This policy is part of Financial Rehabilitation Plan (RPK) which has received approval from the Financial Services Authority (OJK) since July 2024.
Efficiency to Save Company Finances
AJB Bumiputera 1912 Corporate Secretary, Hery Darmawansyah, stated that this step aims to balancing human resources (HR) with the company’s financial condition which is in recovery.
“The layoff of 800 employees is part of the HR rationalization program in the context of company efficiency in accordance with the RPK which has been approved by the OJK,” said Hery, Friday (21/2/2025).
However, Hery has not provided further details regarding layoff criteria and scheme to be implemented, just ensure that the process is still running.
Chairman of the NIBA AJB Bumiputera 1912 Workers Union (SP NIBA), F. Ghulam Naja, also confirmed this news. He said that even though it had been widely heard, the management had not provided a detailed explanation to the affected employees.
Financial Crisis and Claim Settlement Steps
AJB Bumiputera 1912 experienced claims default crisis, impacting thousands of policyholders. As a solution, the company devised recovery strategy which include:
- Claim payments are delayed in stages with the Benefit Value Settlement (PNM) scheme.
- Selling unproductive assets such as land and buildings to increase liquidity.
- Conversion of fixed assets into financial assets to be more liquid and speed up claim payments.
- Selling new premiums to increase income.
- Carrying out reorganization and rationalization of human resources, including the layoff policy which is currently underway.
Still far from the claim payment target
Until the end of 2024, AJB Bumiputera 1912 has paid IDR 377 billion to 87,082 police holders who approved the PNM scheme. However, this figure is still far from the RPK target, namely IDR 2.8 trillion in 2024.
Financial conditions that are still under pressure mean that companies continue to try to carry out various recovery strategies. However, the mass layoff of 800 employees raises big questions—Is this the best solution or is it a sign that the crisis is getting worse?
Jiwasraya Corruption Case Getting Hotter! Attorney General Examines 11 Witnesses, Former Ministry of Finance Official Becomes Suspect
The case of alleged massive corruption in the financial management and investment funds of PT Asuransi Jiwasraya continues to roll out. The Attorney General’s Office (Kejagung) has now examined 11 witnesses to strengthen the evidence against the suspect Isa Rachmatarwata, former Director General of Budget at the Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu) who previously served as Head of the Insurance Bureau at Bapepam LK (2006-2012).
11 Witnesses Examined, Who Are They?
In his official statement, the Head of the Attorney General’s Legal Information Center (Kapuspenkum), Harli Siregar, said that the examination of this witness was part of the case investigation process that occurred in the 2008–2018 period.
The following is a list of the 11 witnesses examined:
✅ OF – Secretary to the Finance Director of PT Asuransi Jiwasraya (2008–2015)
✅ HS – Head of PT Asuransi Jiwasraya Division (2017)
✅ CS – Head of Finance at the Finance & Accounting Division of PT Asuransi Jiwasraya (2018)
✅ DA – Technical Director of PT Asuransi Jiwasraya (2015)
✅ SW – Head of Bancassurance & Strategic Alliance Center Insurance Section (February–October 2018)
✅ MTR – Secretary to the Director of PT Asuransi Jiwasraya (2008–2012)
✅ DS – Finance Director of PT Asuransi Jiwasraya (2018)
✅ MH – Secretary to the Finance Director of PT Asuransi Jiwasraya (2008–2015)
✅ DG – President Director of PT Asuransi Jiwasraya (2008–2012)
✅ FW – Finance Director of PT Asuransi Jiwasraya (2008–2015)
✅ DW – Head of Finance at the Finance, Accounting and Collections Division of PT Asuransi Jiwasraya (2012)
This examination was carried out to explore the roles and responsibilities of officials in alleged megacorruption which caused state losses of trillions of rupiah.
Former Ministry of Finance Official Officially Becomes Suspect
This case shocked the public even more after the Attorney General named Isa Rachmatarwata as the main suspect. The Attorney General’s Director of Jampidsus Investigations, Abdul Qohar, revealed that when the case occurred, Isa was still serving as Head of the Insurance Bureau at Bapepam LK (2006-2012).
“We have found sufficient evidence regarding the involvement of IR, who at that time served as Head of Insurance Bureau at Bapepam LK in the 2006-2012 period,” said Qohar in a press conference, Friday (7/2/2025).
Isa is suspected of violating Article 2 paragraph 1 or Article 3 in conjunction with Article 18 of the Corruption Crime Law, as well as Article 55 paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code. Now, Isa has been detained at the Salemba Detention Center, Attorney General’s Office Branch for the next 20 days to undergo further legal proceedings.
This case is not a new scandal. PT Asuransi Jiwasraya has long been entangled in financial problems due to poor management of investment funds and allegations of large-scale fraud.
Now, with the number of witnesses and suspects continuing to increase, will this scandal soon find a bright spot? Or will it actually drag in more big names?
Allianz Life Optimistic that Traditional Insurance Premiums Will Soar in 2025, Here’s the Strategy!
PT Asuransi Allianz Life Indonesia (Allianz Life) is optimistic that the performance of traditional insurance premiums will continue to increase throughout 2025. This optimism is based on increasing public awareness of financial protection and the innovative strategies implemented by the company.
Director & Chief Financial Officer of Allianz Life Indonesia, Ong Le Keat, revealed that the prospects for the traditional insurance business remain bright in line with the company’s efforts to provide products that suit customer needs.
20% Premium Jump in 2024, Allianz Ready to Spur Growth in 2025
Until December 2024, Allianz Life recorded premium income from the traditional insurance business reaching IDR 4.5 trillion, experiencing 20% growth compared to the same period in the previous year. This positive trend encourages companies to continue to innovate so that growth continues in 2025.
Allianz Life’s Smart Strategy: Product Innovation and Digitalization
To maintain growth momentum, Allianz Life will continue to provide maximum protection solutions for customers. One of the strategies implemented is the launch of the traditional health insurance product Allianz Flexi Medical and the life insurance Allianz Flexi Medical Plan, which completes the unit link with additional health protection (rider).
Apart from that, Allianz Life also strengthens sales through digitalization by adopting digital sales tools. This technology will help marketers convey product information more effectively and make it easier for customers to understand and choose the right protection according to their needs.
Featured Features of Allianz Life Products that are Increasingly Popular
One of Allianz Life’s superior products, Allianz Flexi Medical, offers health protection benefits with an annual limit of up to IDR 20 billion. This product also presents the latest feature, namely Flexi Benefit, where customers can get a balance of up to 30% of the premium which can be used for outpatient claims.
Continuing to Innovate, Allianz Life is Ready to Meet Customers’ Dynamic Needs
Going forward, Allianz Life is committed to continuing to study and understand customer needs, both in the unit-linked and traditional insurance segments. The company will also continue to provide innovations that are in line with dynamic financial protection trends, so that every segment of society can get optimal protection solutions.
With these various strategic steps, Allianz Life is increasingly confident in maintaining the growth of its traditional insurance business in 2025. Innovation and digitalization are the main keys in providing the best service and meeting customer needs in the modern era.
PSAK 117 Officially Applies! The impact on the insurance industry and strategies for dealing with it
The implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 17 or Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (PSAK) 117 is starting to have a significant impact on the financial performance of insurance companies. Head of the College of Risk Management and Insurance (STIMRA), Abitani Taim, revealed that 2024 will be a transition period before this regulation is fully implemented in 2025.
Insurance Company Profits Decline, What’s the Cause?
According to Abitani, the implementation of PSAK 117 can suppress insurance company profits because of the need to project future profits. Higher projections will automatically reduce shareholder equity. General insurance financial trends throughout 2024 recorded by the Financial Services Authority (OJK) show the real impact of this regulation.
In March 2024, general insurance will still record a profit after tax of IDR 2.29 trillion. However, since April 2024, financial performance began to worsen with profit after tax dropping drastically to -Rp. 5.93 trillion. Until the end of the year, December 2024, profit after tax for general insurance will decline further to -Rp. 8.93 trillion. For comparison, in December 2023, profit after tax will still be positive at IDR 9.13 trillion.
Regulations and Tough Challenges the Insurance Industry Must Face
Abitani emphasized that PSAK 117 is only one of various regulations that insurance companies must comply with. Other challenges facing the industry include minimum equity requirements for certain insurance products as well as minimum equity requirements that must be achieved by the end of 2026 and 2028.
In addition, weakening national economic conditions, such as a decline in motor vehicle sales and increasing inflation in medical costs, have also increased the burden on insurance companies. Therefore, regulators and the industry need to work harder to ensure a balance between the interests of all stakeholders in the insurance sector.
Large Costs of Implementing PSAK 117, Challenges for Insurance Companies
Senior analyst in the insurance sector, Irvan Rahardjo, highlighted the large costs that must be incurred to implement PSAK 117. According to him, investment in an IFRS 17-based accounting system requires a budget of at least US$3 million to US$5 million. This high capital expenditure (capex) and operational costs (opex) will increasingly put pressure on insurance company profits throughout 2024.
Another Challenge: Insurance Rates Have Not Changed Since 2017
Apart from the new regulations, Irvan also highlighted the problem of motor vehicle and property insurance rates which have not been adjusted since 2017. Meanwhile, vehicle claims continue to increase due to inflation and the increase in the number of vehicles on the roads. This condition has an impact on credit insurance premiums which are increasingly under pressure due to unhealthy price competition, while the claims that must be paid actually exceed the premium earned.
Strategy 2025: Trust Restoration and Product Innovation
The main challenge for the insurance industry in 2025 is to restore public trust, improve governance, and uphold business ethics and best practices. Apart from that, insurance companies are expected to be able to support government programs such as food security and balanced nutrition with product innovation, including parametric insurance. With this strategy, it is hoped that the insurance industry can survive and develop amidst increasingly complex challenges.
AI Expert Crisis Insurance Industry! What is the impact and solution?
The insurance industry faces major challenges in adopting artificial intelligence (AI). A recent report from GlobalData and Verdict Media revealed that a quarter of insurance companies lack experts experienced in this technology, which hinders optimal implementation of AI.
Lack of AI Experts, Major Barrier to Technology Adoption in Insurance
A survey involving more than 120 industry players showed that 25 percent of respondents considered a lack of internal expertise as the main obstacle to integrating AI. Apart from that, a number of other challenges also hinder AI adoption, including low customer understanding of this technology (21.3 percent), doubts about AI readiness in the industry (17.3 percent), and low levels of customer trust in AI-based systems (13.4 percent).
“The insurance industry is aware of the huge potential of AI, but the shortage of skilled workers is a major barrier. “Without the right talent, insurance companies will have difficulty optimizing AI-based solutions,” said Charlie Hutcherson, Associate Insurance Analyst at GlobalData, quoted from Insurance Asia, Friday, February 21 2025.
Companies that focus on AI training will excel
Hutcherson added that companies that invest in AI training and hiring experts will have a leg up on the competition. “The sooner they address these issues, the greater their opportunity to lead in AI adoption in the insurance industry,” he explained.
To overcome these obstacles, the report recommends insurance companies improve employee skills through AI training, data analytics and machine learning. Collaboration with universities and technology companies is also considered to be able to help build training programs that are more targeted and in line with industry needs.
Customer Education, Key to Increasing Trust in AI
Apart from improving internal skills, insurance companies are also advised to provide education to customers about the benefits of AI. Transparency in the use of this technology is an important step to increase public trust in AI-based systems. With the right strategy, the insurance industry can overcome these challenges and leverage AI to improve the efficiency and quality of their services.
Source: https://mediaasuransinews.co.id/asuransi/industri-asuransi-alami-krisis-talenta-ai-apa-solusinya/
Insurance Investment Profits Skyrocket! What’s the Secret Behind It?
The insurance industry’s investment performance will experience a significant recovery in 2023 after weakening in the previous year. Investors in this sector are now preparing to face a potential cut in interest rates in 2024, amidst still high inflation and the trend of increasing interest rates in recent years.
According to reports Global Insurance Market Trends 2024 from the OECD, which is quoted from Insurance Asia on Thursday, February 20 2025, increasing claims costs and increasingly tight reinsurance market conditions have pushed up premiums in the non-life insurance sector. This upward trend is most pronounced in the motor vehicle, health and property insurance segments.
Surging Premiums and Positive Underwriting Performance
Total gross premiums issued in 2023 experienced growth of 12.4 percent in nominal terms and 6.2 percent in real terms, double the real growth recorded in 2022. Most countries reported favorable underwriting results for the industry.
The Impact of High Interest Rates on Life Insurance
In the life insurance sector, rising interest rates have had mixed impacts. In several countries, demand for annuity products and guaranteed life investments is increasing. However, on the other hand, there are also policy holders who withdraw their insurance funds to be transferred to other investments or used to purchase a house.
Rising mortgage interest rates also have an indirect impact on life insurance sales, especially in markets where insurance coverage is mandatory in credit financing. Overall, gross premiums in the life insurance sector continued to experience growth in most of the countries reported.
Stock and Bond Markets Drive Insurance Profits
The insurance industry’s investment results in 2023 show positive performance, supported by the decline in government bond yields and strong performance in the stock market. This combination of increased underwriting and investment results has succeeded in increasing the profitability of the insurance industry, reversing the trend of losses that occurred in many countries in the previous year.
Insurance Penetration Levels in Various Countries
The OECD also notes that insurance penetration rates—measured as a percentage of premiums to GDP—are still higher in developed countries such as France, the United Kingdom and the United States, with figures exceeding 10 percent. Meanwhile, several countries in Latin America and Europe recorded lower penetration rates.
With this positive trend, insurance industry players are now looking at 2024 with optimism, even though challenges such as fluctuating interest rates and inflation still loom.
Insurance Support for Government Programs: Can It Really Be Maximized?
The government is intensifying various priority programs, and the insurance industry is predicted to have a big role in supporting and maximizing these opportunities. The Financial Services Authority (OJK) emphasized that the insurance sector is ready to provide various products that are in line with government policies to increase financial protection for the public.
However, according to insurance observer Irvan Rahardjo, the insurance industry’s support for government programs cannot depend solely on OJK policies. He believes that the readiness of industry players must also be strengthened through support from the regulatory ecosystem and synergy with various stakeholders, such as banks, ministries and institutions, as well as industry associations.
“Without a strong ecosystem and solid synergy, it is difficult to expect a significant increase in premium collection for the insurance industry this year,” said Irvan to happy, Monday (18/2).
The Role of Insurance in Government Priority Programs
OJK Chief Executive of Insurance, Guarantee and Pension Fund Supervision (PPDP), Ogi Prastomiyono, stated that the insurance industry will participate in supporting several government priority programs. Some of the main sectors to focus on include:
- Food security: OJK encourages the insurance industry to develop parametric insurance for the agricultural and livestock sectors, such as Rice Farming Business Insurance (AUTP) and Cattle Farming Business Insurance (AUTS). This product aims to provide protection against the risk of crop failure and livestock death due to external factors.
- Infrastructure Development: In supporting the program to provide 3 million houses for the community, the insurance industry will offer protection through credit insurance and credit life insurance for debtors. Apart from that, property insurance is also available to protect against the risk of fire, natural disasters and other factors.
- Energy Security: OJK plans to encourage product development energy-saving insurance, designed to increase stakeholder confidence in energy efficiency projects. This product is expected to be able to support the clean and sustainable energy transition.
“As part of a long-term strategy, the PPDP sector is expected to be committed to supporting various government priority programs for sustainable economic growth,” said Ogi at the 2025 Financial Services Industry Annual Meeting (PTIJK) press conference, Tuesday (11/2).
With the enormous opportunities available, synergy between regulators, industry and other stakeholders is the key to success in maximizing the insurance sector’s contribution to government strategic programs.
The insurance industry is at a crossroads, with challenges and opportunities going hand in hand. While some companies struggle with financial crises and legal issues, others continue to innovate to improve customer service and trust. In the future, transparency, stricter risk management and the use of technology will be the main keys to rebuilding stability in this industry. For policy holders and business people, remain vigilant and always choose an insurance provider that is trusted and has a strong financial foundation.
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