Microfinance and Inequality: Case of Indonesia

Abstract

This study investigates the role of microfinance from small-sized banks, usually with a limited geographical area of operation, in Indonesia, namely Bank Perkreditan Rakyat (BPR) on the income inequality. Using a province level panel data of 2012-2018 the results show that loans from such a bank are associated with income inequality reduction, supporting the arguments that microfinance contributes to income inequality reduction. This study has an important policy implication regarding the existence of BPR in Indonesia.