From Cash to Bank Transfers
The journey toward digital premium payments in Indonesia
Safe and secure premium payments are a core part of the Cocoa Horizons Foundation program. Each farmer who participates in the program and delivers cocoa receives a Cocoa Horizons premium
“Achieving 100% premium distribution via bank transfer is no easy feat!”
Yudhyanto Witoko, M&E Manager
Cocoa Horizons Foundation began working in Indonesia, West Sulawesi, in 2020. At that time, it was not customary for cocoa farmers to own a bank account, and opening one came with many challenges. As a result, Cocoa Horizons field staff initially paid premiums in cash, which carried a high level of risk due to the need to transport large sums of money.
The transition to bank transfers was not easy. Field officers played a crucial role by assisting farmers in accessing banks, organizing group meetings to explain the benefits and supporting farmers throughout the process. Over time, cocoa farmers increasingly recognized the value of having their own bank accounts.
Despite this progress, opening bank accounts remained challenging. Long distances to banks, time constraints, and the large number of farmers slowed implementation. Patience and perseverance were essential. Between 2023 and 2025, Cocoa Horizons supported more than 3,000 farmers in opening bank accounts, and by 2025, 99% of premiums in Indonesia were distributed via bank transfer.
“The funds are sent straight to my account; I no longer need to travel from place to place to collect money.”
Sitti Almulkiati, Cocoa Farmer, Indonesia
Today, only a few farmers in the North Kolaka region remain without a bank account. Cocoa Horizons is working closely with them to ensure that they, too, will soon receive their premiums safely and directly.