BNI: 80 Years Reflects Consistency in Maintaining Public Trust
For eight decades, BNI has grown alongside Indonesia. Every step we take is underpinned by the spirit of providing greater benefits to the community, the nation, and the state,” said Putrama in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.
As it approaches its 80th anniversary on 5 July 2026, BNI has adopted the theme ‘Swadharma Bhakti Nagara’ as a reflection of the corporation’s journey in serving the Indonesian people and the nation.
According to Putrama, BNI’s ability to endure, grow, and remain relevant over eight decades rests upon the values of Swadharly Bhakti Nagara. This value serves as a compass in executing professional responsibilities, community service, and contributions to the national interest.
He explained that ‘Swadharma’ reflects the awareness to carry out responsibilities with discipline, integrity, and competence. ‘Bhakti’ describes the spirit of service, ensuring every business decision provides broader benefits to society. Meanwhile, ‘Nagara’ emphasises BNI’s orientation towards supporting national development and maintaining Indonesia’s economic stability.
These values are realised within BNI’s work culture through three main behaviours: Seva, Karya, and Raksa. Seva emphasises heartfelt service and building trust; Karya encourages professionalism and result orientation; while Raksa underscores the importance of integrity, good governance, and prudent risk management.
Putrama stated that this philosophy serves as BNI’s foundation in facing changing times. BNI was founded by R.M. Margono Djojohadikusumo, a national economic figure who helped lay the early foundations of the Republic of Indonesia’s financial institutions. R.M. Margono Djojohadikusumo is also known as the grandfather of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto.
As the founder of BNI, R.M. Margono Djojohadikusumo instilled a spirit of devotion to the state that continues to live through the corporation’s journey. This spirit aligns with the values of Swadharma Bhakti Nagara, reflecting BNI’s identity as a bank born from the spirit of struggle and tasked with the responsibility of serving the country.
As the first bank owned by the Republic of Indonesia, BNI also played a role in the issuance of Oeang Republik Indonesia (ORI) as a symbol of the nation’s economic sovereignty. Since then, BNI has continued to grow alongside Indonesia, from the early days of independence to becoming one of the largest economic powers in Southeast Asia.
In its development, the corporation has addressed various community needs across generations, ranging from education, employment, and business to investment and retirement. The corporation has also expanded access to financial services through its branch network, digital services, and the Agen46 programme, which reaches various regions across Indonesia.
BNI continues to adapt to changing societal needs. From conventional face-to-face banking services, BNI has evolved into a modern financial institution that integrates technology into various aspects of its services. This transformation remains rooted in the spirit of ‘Serving from the Heart’ to ensure that innovations remain oriented towards customer convenience and needs.
“However, behind all these changes, one thing remains the same: BNI’s spirit of devotion to the nation. Strategies and technology will continue to evolve with the times, but the values of Swadharma Bhakti Nagara will always be the compass guiding our every step in serving Indonesia,” said Putrama.