BNI Distributes Aid for Communities Affected by NTT Earthquake
PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, or BNI, is moving to distribute humanitarian aid for communities affected by the earthquake that struck several areas in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The assistance is focused on meeting the basic needs of affected communities, particularly displaced people during the emergency response period.
BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo said that BNI, together with local government, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and relevant stakeholders, is identifying needs in several affected areas as the basis for aid distribution.
“We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and share our concern over the disaster experienced by the community. In this emergency response situation, BNI is present to help meet the most urgent needs so that support can be felt immediately by affected communities,” Okki said in a written statement.
In the initial phase, he explained, BNI through its BNI Berbagi programme is distributing essential supplies including mineral water, rice, instant noodles, eggs, cooking oil, milk, biscuits, baby nappies, and kitchen utensils. The aid is being distributed in stages to several areas, including Ende, Borong, Labuan Bajo, Maumere, and Ruteng, to support the consumption needs of displaced people and affected communities.
“This distribution is BNI’s initial phase of assistance. We will continue to monitor developments and coordinate with local government and BPBD to determine the most needed follow-up support for the community,” Okki said.
According to Okki, the aid distribution will not stop at the initial phase. BNI will continue providing assistance in stages according to priority needs in the affected areas.
“Aid will continue to be distributed in stages, adjusting to developments in needs on the ground. BNI will remain present and coordinate with local government and BPBD to support communities during the emergency response period through to the recovery process,” Okki said.
BNI’s support is part of the synergy of the wider State-Owned Enterprise (BUMN) family under the coordination of Danantara Indonesia to support rapid, measured, and targeted disaster response.
In addition to distributing humanitarian aid, BNI is ensuring the continuity of banking services in the affected areas by prioritising the safety of employees and customers.
Of 25 BNI outlets in the Ende and Maumere areas, 24 outlets remain operational. One outlet, KCP Borong, is temporarily unable to operate due to cracks in the building that require repair. Of 67 ATMs in the area, 65 remain operational, while two ATMs at KCP Borong are temporarily out of service.
As part of its business continuity plan, BNI has prepared O-Branch, a mobile service, to serve KCP Borong customers during the repair process. Customers can also continue to access services through other BNI office networks as well as electronic and digital channels.
“The safety of employees and customers is the priority. With the support of the office network, O-Branch, and electronic and digital channels, we are ensuring that the community’s banking service needs can continue to be met during the recovery process,” Okki explained.
KCP Borong operations will be normalised once the building is declared safe and suitable for use again.
“BNI will continue to coordinate with local government and all stakeholders in supporting post-disaster handling. We hope conditions in the affected areas recover soon and the community can return to normal activities,” Okki concluded.