Bank Universal begins 'service on wheels'

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)