Astri Sri Sulastri

Astri is working as a Senior Manager in MSC's Indonesia Country Development Program. She is a digital financial and banking consultant with over fifteen years of experience in digital social transfers, agent networks, banking operations, service excellence audits, and insurance.

Astri is working as a Senior Manager in MSC's Indonesia Country Development Program. She is a digital financial and banking consultant with over fifteen years of experience in digital social transfers, agent networks, banking operations, service excellence audits, and insurance. She has undertaken consulting assignments in Indonesia and India with various stakeholders, including banks, microfinance institutions, digital finance service providers, international development agencies, and government agencies. Astri is a certified expert in Social Assistance Payment at MSC.

Posts by Astri Sri Sulastri

Transforming communication protocols for social assistance programs in Indonesia

Effective communication of social protection programs (SPPs) is essential to avoid misconceptions and undesired behavior among beneficiaries, as well as setbacks in implementation. This blog highlights the potential role technology can play in enhancing awareness, socialization, and complaint resolution efforts in the delivery of SPPs in Indonesia.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH)

The Government of Indonesia (GoI) expanded its social protection programs, including Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH)—its conditional cash transfer program, to support the most vulnerable sections of society during the pandemic. Our report explores the impact of COVID-19 on the beneficiaries and operational implementation of PKH during the pandemic.

Can the often-criticized P2P FinTech platforms in Indonesia solve the lack of diversity in MSME loan programs?

To help the MSME sector recover from the pandemic, the Government of Indonesia (GoI) has budgeted IDR 123 trillion (USD 8.4 billion) as part of the National Economic Recovery Program (Program Pemulihan Ekonomi Nasional). This blog highlights the opportunities and steps needed for FinTech platforms to support the economic recovery efforts of GoI.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on MSMEs

Since the onset of the pandemic, large-scale social restrictions have had a direct impact on the economy and the livelihoods of more than 63 million MSMEs in Indonesia. This report is part two of a larger study on the impact of the pandemic on MSMEs in Indonesia.

Liquidity support for G2P agents in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic

Effective liquidity management is critical for the delivery of G2P programs, particularly in times of emergency when beneficiaries are most vulnerable. Cash-in/cash-out (CICO) agents in Indonesia receive little or no support to manage liquidity and most of them still have to travel to the nearest bank branch

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CICO agents in Indonesia

Large-scale movement restrictions, falling consumer demand, and rising unemployment have taken a toll on CICO agents in Indonesia. Our report analyzes the impact of the pandemic on these agents, highlights their coping strategies, and provides recommendations to help them recover.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on MSMEs: Indonesia report

The COVID-19 crisis has proven devastating for MSMEs in Indonesia, which have seen their revenues reduce to almost half. Our report analyzes the economic consequences of the pandemic on MSMEs, highlights their coping strategies, and provides policy recommendations to help them recover.

Deepening financial inclusion through cash transfers: The case of PKH in Indonesia

In 2017, the Government of Indonesia (GoI) began digitizing social benefit transfers to improve delivery efficiency and achieve sustainable financial inclusion. Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH), a conditional cash transfer (CCT) program, was the first major social assistance payment program (G2P) digitized by the government. It provides incentives for the following: Pregnant and lactating mothers, infants, […]