Bank Universal begins 'service on wheels'

JAKARTA (JP): Bank Universal launched yesterday its mobile service as part of its program to offer more flexibility to clients.

The bank's senior vice president Auddie Alexander Wiranata said here yesterday the "service on wheels" would provide customers with flexibility in making transactions outside offices and after working hours.

Auddie said with the new service, also called "Flexi-trans" short for "flexible transaction", Bank Universal would improve services to its old customers and net about 1,000 new customers a year.

He said the bank would operate a yellow and blue van equipped with modern telecommunications.

The van would be able to provide most services a branch could handle, he said.

Customers will be able to withdraw money from an automatic teller machine (ATM) facility attached to the van, deposit money, open an account and transfer money or pay credit card bills.

Bank staff will process transactions via satellite or modem with the bank's headquarters.

The satellite disc installed at the mobile bank uses the Automatic Antena Controller with Global Positioning System, making it easier to locate a satellite.

"We are the first, outside the military, to use this system in the Asia Pacific," said Auddie.

Bank vice president Inkawan D. Jusi said mobile banks would be present at major festivals, exhibitions, office centers, malls, and would support the operation of the bank's branches in case of disaster.

"Today we have five vans serving Jakarta, but we plan to add another 10 vans next year," said Inkawan.

He said the mobile banks were designed by the bank's research and development team and cost between Rp 500 million (US$ 210,000) and Rp 600 million each, equal with the amount of investment to open a bank branch office.

Each van will be secured by an armed security guard and will be equipped with an alarm connected to the headquarters, Inkawan said.

Bank Universal, a subsidiary of the Astra group, has 64 branches and is ranked among the 10 most well-known banks in Indonesia, according to the Survey Research Indonesia. (jsk)