Jakarta, 9 June 2026 — Sun Life Indonesia today released its Financial Resilience Index 2026, a study that identifies rising living costs as a key factor affecting household financial resilience. Conducted in partnership with Genpop in April 2026, the survey gathered responses from 1,000 Indonesians aged 18 and above across the country and found that 80% of respondents are feeling the pressure of increasing expenses. The study highlights the critical role of financial literacy in building financial resilience amid economic uncertainty and reveals a growing reliance on AI-powered tools for financial guidance.

The Financial Reality Facing Indonesian Households

The study shows that only 14% of respondents feel highly financially secure, while 45% say they could sustain themselves for more than six months without income, suggesting limited financial buffers for many households. Overall, financial resilience has shown modest improvement, with the share of individuals classified as highly resilient increasing from 30% to 34%. However, a decline in the middle segment has led to a rise in the proportion of households with low financial resilience, indicating that the recovery remains uneven.

The findings also reveal a growing focus on short-term financial priorities. Nearly half of respondents (48%) do not yet have a long-term financial plan or only plan their finances up to one year ahead, suggesting that immediate financial pressures may be limiting longer-term financial planning. Reflecting these pressures, managing day-to-day expenses has become the top financial priority for 56% of respondents over the next 12 months, ahead of saving, investing, or other long-term financial goals.

For many Indonesians, rising living costs are not only affecting household budgets but also limiting financial progress. Three in ten respondents (30%) identified increasing living costs as the biggest challenge to improving their financial situation, ahead of unstable income and limited financial knowledge. To manage rising expenses, many Indonesians are making short-term financial trade-offs. Nearly a quarter of respondents (23%) have drawn on savings, 26% have reduced or skipped essential expenses, and 5% have postponed retirement contributions. While these measures may help households manage immediate financial pressures, they can also affect long-term financial preparedness and resilience.

Albertus Wiroyo, President Director of Sun Life Indonesia, said, "These findings reflect how Indonesians are balancing immediate financial pressures with their long-term goals. As economic conditions continue to evolve, financial preparedness is becoming increasingly important in building financial resilience. A trusted financial partner, The one you can rely on, also plays a key role in providing confidence amid uncertainty while helping people plan for the future."

Despite these pressures, the study reveals a clear pattern, those who are better financially prepared are generally better able to navigate uncertainty, with financial literacy emerging as the key differentiating factor. The findings suggest that while economic pressures are affecting households across income levels, the ability to respond effectively is increasingly shaped by financial knowledge and preparedness.

Financial Literacy Drives Resilience

Financially literate individuals, those who are able to understand, manage, and make informed financial decisions, demonstrate significantly higher financial confidence. They score 53 points higher on the Financial Confidence Index (100-point scale) and are three times more likely to feel prepared to face rising living costs. They are also 47 points more optimistic about their financial future and significantly less likely to experience frequent financial stress compared to those with lower levels of financial literacy.  Additionally, they are also better equipped to handle emergencies and demonstrate more consistent long-term financial planning habits.

The benefits of long-term planning are clear. Among respondents with long-term financial plans, 86% feel confident about achieving their financial goals, compared with only 25% of those without a financial plan. Similarly, 78% feel prepared to handle financial emergencies, compared with just 13% among those without long-term planning. These findings underscore financial literacy as a key driver of resilience, but also shapes how individuals respond to economic pressures. As the cost of living continues to rise, the ability to evaluate financial choices and plan for the future becomes increasingly critical.

This ability is increasingly being tested by the growing use of AI as a source of financial guidance.

Building Confidence in the Age of AI

As people seek new ways to navigate an increasingly complex financial environment, access to financial information is expanding rapidly through digital platforms and AI-powered tools. Indonesians are also increasingly turning to generative AI to support financial decision-making. The study found that 68% of respondents use generative AI for financial guidance, and 67% expect their usage to increase over the next 12 months. This places Indonesia among the leading adopters of generative AI for financial guidance in Asia.  For many people, AI has become a practical tool for understanding financial topics, comparing options, and supporting everyday financial decisions.

The study also found that generative AI adoption is higher among financially literate individuals. While technology can improve access to financial information, financial literacy remains essential in helping people evaluate information critically and make informed financial decision

Despite this growing adoption, financial advisors continue to play an important role, particularly when it comes to more complex decisions with long-term implications. The findings suggest that AI is not replacing the human element, but rather complementing it. While technology helps people access information more quickly, professional guidance remains important in supporting larger and more strategic financial decisions.

Albertus added, "Technology has transformed the way people access information and financial literacy. However, it does not replace the need for expert guidance or responsible financial advice. Strengthening this foundation remains essential to help individuals critically evaluate information, make informed decisions, and navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape toward greater financial resilience." 

Overall, these three key findings paint a consistent picture that Indonesians are facing real financial pressures, financial literacy remains a key driver of resilience, and technology is increasingly transforming how people seek support in managing their finances.The findings also suggest that financial resilience is becoming increasingly differentiated by financial literacy and preparedness, with those who are better equipped with financial knowledge more likely to maintain confidence, remain optimistic, and stay focused on long-term goals despite ongoing economic pressures.

Sun Life Indonesia remains committed to being a trusted partner in helping Indonesians build stronger financial foundations through financial literacy, empowering them to make informed decisions with greater confidence, while providing comprehensive life and health insurance solutions to support every stage of family life.