BNI Clarifies That Swadharma Cooperative Is Not Part of the Bank

PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk or BNI has clarified that the Swadharma Cooperative in Pematangsiantar is not part of the company. This statement is intended to correct public perceptions regarding the case involving the cooperative.

BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo explained that the Swadharma Cooperative was established in 2007 through its own deed of incorporation and has an independent management structure and operational management outside of BNI.

“The cooperative is intended for internal employees, not for the general public. All activities and operational decisions are the responsibility of the cooperative’s management,” said Okki in a written statement.

In practice, the cooperative is alleged to have offered savings products to parties outside its members with returns ranging from 1.5% to 2% per month. This activity is not in line with the cooperative’s Articles of Association and Bylaws (AD/ART). Additionally, indications of document forgery have been found in this case.

This situation, combined with the cooperative’s previous operations within BNI’s office environment, has contributed to public confusion. To prevent similar issues, BNI has taken steps since 2016 to prohibit cooperatives from operating in BNI office areas.

Since the case emerged, BNI has consistently emphasised that the legal relationship of the depositors is with the cooperative as the party offering and managing the savings products.

BNI understands that resolving this case will take time and shares the concerns of the affected public.

In the context of customer protection, BNI assures that all customer funds remain safe and banking services operate normally in accordance with regulatory provisions.

BNI also urges the public to always verify the legality of any financial products through official bank channels or authorised authorities before placing funds.

“We fully respect the ongoing legal process and are committed to resolving this case in accordance with applicable legal decisions,” Okki concluded.