BII's Internet Banking gives users convenience

BII's Internet Banking gives users convenience

Performing transactions through Internet-based banks is now
common practice for certain people around the globe. Indonesians
also have been able to enjoy this convenience via on-line
services run by Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII).

BII introduced in September 1998 this cyber service, which
enables customers to complete transactions through the Internet
around the clock. No more queuing, grumbling, form filling, stamp
licking or walking needed to conduct certain financial
activities.

BII' Senior Vice President, Rudy N. Hamdani, said more people
would use this online banking services via the Internet as there
had been significant growth in Internet users in Indonesia.

"Five years ago people began to socialize with ATMs, phone-
banking and call centers. But now is the new wave era, the new
generation. With this e-banking service, BII sets its
leadership." he said.

He said that there were some one million Internet users in
Indonesia, and that this would reach 1.8 million by the end of
the year.

"We are targeting to grab 30 percent of them to use our e-
banking," he said. When the country's economic condition improves
even more, he said, BII should be able to catch up to 70 percent.

"Internet users have become a special segment. This is so
mobile and they always want to access the Internet, through their
cellular phones or palmtops. Through this service BII can expect
shorter periods to obtain new customers, not in hours, but in
minutes," he said. Anyone who wants to bank with BII can visit
its website http://www.bii.co.id.

Service

BII Internet Banking was created to enable customers to bank
through the Internet, which operates 24 hours a day. All a
customer needs is a computer and Internet access.

When logging in, customers will be able to make balance
inquiries, view their transaction history, transfer money or make
payments to their credit cards or to other bills.

BII Internet Banking was designed to meet customers' need for
convenience. Online-help and easy-to-navigate menus make this
service easy to use.

To get this service, one must have an account at BII. The
account can be a savings account, such as Superpundi or
Superdolar, a current account (Supergiro, Giro valas), a time
deposit or a credit card issued by BII.

Applying online can be accomplished by filling in the
application form on the website. BII will process the application
and prepare the Internet Banking PIN (Personal Identity Number).

Customers can still also visit any BII branch where they
maintain their accounts. They can complete an application from
and submit it to a customer service representative.

Customers are required to show valid identification and proof
of account ownership -- such as a Superpundi savings book -- for
verification. Upon approval of the application, customers will
receive an Internet Banking PIN.

The third way is by dialing BII Telebank at (021) 3183888.
Staff will assist customers in completing the form.

The Internet Banking PIN will be sent to the address
registered with the bank regardless of how the application was
made. Valid identification and proof of BII account ownership is
necessary for verification.

Features

Features of this service include Account Information,
Statement Downloading, Fund Transfers, Bill Payments,
Remittances, Applications, Cheque Book Applications, Rates,
Internet Banking E-mail and Transaction History.

Checking a bank balance and fund transfer within BII in real
time is possible via this service. Customers can inquire about
their balance and get a summary of their account, including
transactions and account statements.

They can also download the statement into their PCs in Comma
Separate Value (CSV) format. Customers will be able to analyze
the data by using an MS Excel program or Spreadsheet.

Real time features

Fund Transfers allow customers to transfer their funds to
other accounts within BII. Customers will also be able to
transfer funds to another account outside BII, but not in a real
time.

Bill Payments allow customers to pay their bills for BII
credit cards, Internet service provider subscriptions and
cellular phones. Through this service, customers can also send
and transfer money locally and internationally via BII or through
its Western Union service.

Also, customers may apply for a draft and travelers checks,
just like they do when they go to one of BII branch.

Users can also fill in and apply for new accounts such as
savings accounts, current accounts, Superdolar accounts, time
deposit accounts and credit cards.

Giro Book (check books) can be also be applied for through e-
banking, as when customers go to a BII branch in person to do
this. The check book will then be ready at the branch for
customer pick up, so there is no need to make two trips to the
bank; just a quick trip in to pick up the check book applied for
through e-banking.

Other information that can be accessed includes foreign
exchange rates and the interest rates of BII products.

In addition, e-banking enables users to communicate with BII.
Users can send their concerns or share their problems and will
get a prompt reply.

All transactions are recorded and customers are able to view
each activity and transaction performed for the last three
months.

When clicking on the history button, the screen will display
details of all deposits made to the account within that time
period and the dates they were made. It also reports the complete
amounts of checks drawn.

Security

Today, many banks already provide Internet-based services.
Many people are enjoying this facility, as when they have bills
to pay, they can make the payments from their home PC.

However, many bank customers are still concerned about
security in performing Internet banking.

The Internet is a means if transmitting information which can
be intercepted by a third, unauthorized party. This can be used
to benefit the unintended recipient while, at the same time,
causing damage to the rightful owners of that information.

Concerning this issue, BII has taken steps to minimize the
risk of the accessed information from being stolen by a third
party.

"The precautions include the use of digital ID certificate,
plug-ins and User IDs and passwords," said Rudy.

He said that BII used an advanced encryption technique to make
sure that no other party can snoop on the data that is uploaded
and downloaded between Net surfers and the system.

"BII applies digital ID certificate/128-bit encryption.
Meanwhile, customers will receive an Internet PIN/password and a
user ID which will be sent to their e-mail address," he said.

The PIN is a combination of an eight-digit password which must
contain at least one capital, one letter and one number.

BII requires customers to change their PIN every two months. A
notification window will pop up when customers carry out their e-
banking, to remind them to change the PIN.

Another feature of the User ID/password scheme is that when a
password is entered incorrectly three times consecutively, access
will be blocked.

In this new world of no boundaries, BII is aiming to set
standards of more innovative service. Through its Internet
Banking, BII is eying more customers while preparing
collaborations with other parties for public satisfaction and
convenience. (icn)