BNI Agen46 Facilitates Banking Services on Lembeh Island
INFO TEMPO - The Branchless Financial Service program, part of the Inclusive Finance initiative, through BNI Agen46 owned by PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk or BNI, provides access to banking services for communities in island regions, including Lembeh Island, Bitung, North Sulawesi. This region has previously had limited access to bank branches.
In this area, which can only be reached by sea, the presence of BNI Agen46 makes it easier for residents to carry out financial transactions without having to travel to the city center. The services available include account opening, deposits and withdrawals, transfers, bill payments, and access to financing such as People’s Business Loans (KUR).
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BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo said that BNI Agen46 is an extension of BNI in expanding access to financial services to remote, outermost, and underdeveloped areas. “BNI is committed to continuing to expand the reach of inclusive and sustainable financial services, so that people in various corners of the country can feel the benefits of banking services without having to face distance and cost constraints,” said Okki in a written statement.
According to him, the support of digital technology and a widespread network of agents enables people to carry out financial transactions more quickly and safely. In addition to increasing financial literacy and inclusion, this program also encourages local economic growth by creating new business opportunities at the community level.
One of BNI Agen46’s partners on Lembeh Island, Ratti Manopo, said she felt the direct benefits of the program. In addition to being an agent for banking services in her grocery store, she also received KUR financing to develop her business. “The benefits of being a BNI Agen46 are very noticeable. I applied for a KUR loan at BNI and it was approved. I immediately used the capital to develop my business. Thank God, everything is going well,” said Ratti.
The additional capital was used to increase stock and expand the business, which also helped increase sales. The presence of Agen46 in her store also made it more crowded with residents who wanted to carry out banking transactions practically.
Similar benefits are felt by other residents, such as Andre, a nutmeg trader on Lembeh Island. He said he was helped because he could deposit his sales proceeds safely without having to travel far to a bank branch. “Usually, the money from the sales is deposited into the account through Mrs. Ratti,” he said.
A local farmer, Delkiu Samalang, also said that the Agen46 service was more accessible. “The BNI agent is closer, people can reach it. Mrs. Ratti is also a trustworthy person, so we help each other,” he said.
The presence of BNI Agen46 on Lembeh Island shows that access to banking services is now more evenly distributed to island regions. Through a community-based approach and support for productive financing, BNI hopes that financial inclusion can become the foundation for strengthening the community’s economy in a sustainable manner. (*)