Bank Sumut Partners with Batam City Government for Zero-Interest Micro Loan Programme

PT Bank Sumut (Perseroda) has officially become a partner for the Batam City Government’s zero-interest loan programme, an initiative designed to accelerate grassroots economic empowerment. Faisal Panggabean, Head of the Consumer Credit Division at Bank Sumut, stated that the bank’s participation is a form of commitment to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing accessible, affordable, and productive financing access. The cooperation agreement was signed at the Batam Mayor’s Office on Friday. Batam Mayor Amsakar Achmad emphasised that regional development is not solely focused on infrastructure but also on human resource development and community economic empowerment. He noted that easy access to financing is a crucial instrument for strengthening the competitiveness of MSMEs so they can grow as drivers of the regional economy. Salim, Head of the Cooperatives and Micro Enterprises Office of Batam City, confirmed that Bank Sumut is the third bank to join the zero-interest programme, following Bank BTN and Bank Riau Kepri Syariah. The city government has currently allocated a budget of IDR 3 billion to support the programme, offering financing to micro-entrepreneurs with a loan ceiling of up to IDR 20 million without collateral. This year, the Batam City Government aims to facilitate 1,850 micro-enterprises, empower 215 micro-enterprises, and mentor 1,500 new entrepreneurs through training, business legalisation, and market access expansion. Salim added that the government is proposing an increase in the financing ceiling to between IDR 50 million and IDR 100 million so that more MSMEs can benefit from the scheme.