BNI Assesses Potential Impact of BI-Rate Hike on Loan Demand

Jakarta (ANTARA) - PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, or BNI, continues to monitor the potential impact of the benchmark interest rate hike (BI-Rate) on credit demand, particularly from business sectors sensitive to changes in the cost of funds. The company stated it will continue to adjust its business strategy in line with macroeconomic developments, monetary policy direction, and customer financing needs. “We continue to strengthen governance, risk management, and digital capabilities to keep providing the best service to customers while maintaining healthy and sustainable business growth. With this strong foundation, BNI is optimistic it can continue to support the real sector and contribute to Indonesia’s economic growth,” said BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday. Amid the interest rate dynamics, the company is reinforcing its digital transformation to enhance service efficiency and business processes. The utilisation of digital technology is applied to various operational aspects, including banking service development, improving customer experience, and optimising the credit process to be faster and more effective while still prioritising the principle of prudence. Furthermore, the company is strengthening the implementation of good corporate governance (GCG) and disciplined risk management to maintain asset quality and business resilience. The company also consistently monitors its credit portfolio, risk profile, liquidity, as well as economic and market condition developments as part of ongoing risk mitigation. In general, the company views the 25 basis point (bps) increase in the BI-Rate to 5.50 percent as a step to maintain macroeconomic stability amid the current challenges of global dynamics. In line with these developments, the company will remain selective and productive in performing its intermediary function to support the real sector. Okki assessed that Bank Indonesia’s (BI) monetary policy reflects a measured response in maintaining rupiah exchange rate stability, controlling inflationary pressures, and strengthening market confidence in the national economic outlook. “We view the BI-Rate hike as a necessary step to maintain national economic stability and strengthen investor confidence in Indonesia’s economic prospects. Maintained stability is a crucial foundation for the sustainability of growth in the real sector and the banking industry,” said Okki. He added that macroeconomic stability is an essential prerequisite for the banking sector to continue performing its intermediary function in a healthy and sustainable manner. With more controlled market conditions, Okki stated that banks have room to maintain prudent, selective, and productive financing distribution. The company will continue to monitor macroeconomic developments and the direction of monetary policy to ensure its business strategy remains adaptive. With solid capital support, adequate liquidity, and prudent risk management, the company affirms its commitment to maintaining sustainable performance while supporting the stability of the national financial system.