{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1708899,
        "msgid": "pre-hajj-surge-riyal-exchanges-at-bsi-jump-76-1777467163",
        "date": "2026-04-29 18:44:13",
        "title": "Pre-Hajj Surge: Riyal Exchanges at BSI Jump 76%",
        "author": "Gita Amanda",
        "source": "REPUBLIKA",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Banking",
        "summary": "Transactions for exchanging Saudi riyals at PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) have surged by 76% in April-May 2026 compared to the previous month, driven by the preparations of Indonesian hajj pilgrims for their departure to the Holy Land. BSI, which manages 83% of hajj savings accounts with over 7.2 million accounts, has expanded services including 22 exchange booths at embarkation points and promoted cashless transactions via international debit cards and digital apps to enhance safety. This reflects the bank's pivotal role in supporting the annual pilgrimage of approximately 221,000 Indonesian pilgrims.",
        "content": "<p>Ahead of the hajj departure, the need for pocket money in Saudi\nArabian currency has begun to increase. This is reflected in the surge\nof riyal exchange transactions at PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI), which\nrose 76% during the April-May 2026 period compared to the previous\nmonth.<\/p>\n<p>The increase follows the movements of prospective hajj pilgrims who\nare starting to prepare for their departure, including arranging living\nexpenses during their stay in the Holy Land. On 22 April, the first\nbatch of Indonesian hajj pilgrims was dispatched, marking the start of\nthis year\u2019s hajj operations with a total of around 221,000 pilgrims from\nvarious embarkation points.<\/p>\n<p>BSI has expanded services at departure points. The bank has prepared\n22 booths at 16 main embarkation points and six intermediate embarkation\npoints. Available services include riyal exchanges, hajj banking\nconsultations, and supporting facilities such as massage machines at\nsome locations.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of fund management, BSI remains the main player. Around 83%\nof prospective Indonesian hajj pilgrims are recorded as using hajj\nsavings services at this bank. The total reaches more than 7.2 million\naccounts, with nearly half already on the departure waiting list.<\/p>\n<p>BSI Deputy Director Bob T Ananta said preparations for services are\ncarried out from before departure until the pilgrims\u2019 return. \u201cWe\ncontinue to optimise hajj services ahead of the hajj season until the\nreturn of Indonesian hajj pilgrims upon their arrival back in the\nhomeland,\u201d he stated on Wednesday (29\/4\/2026).<\/p>\n<p>In addition to currency exchange, BSI is also encouraging pilgrims to\nswitch to non-cash transactions. Prepared facilities include call centre\nservices, international debit cards, and digital transaction\napplications that can be used in Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n<p>Bob reminded that using cashless transactions can reduce the risk of\ncarrying large amounts of cash. \u201cWe urge pilgrims to utilise non-cash\ntransactions for greater safety and comfort during worship,\u201d he\nsaid.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/pre-hajj-surge-riyal-exchanges-at-bsi-jump-76-1777467163",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}