BNI distributes initial aid for earthquake victims in Flores

PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, or BNI, has distributed initial basic-needs assistance for victims affected by the earthquake in several areas of Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo said in a statement received in Kupang on Monday that the humanitarian aid was distributed based on coordination and needs identification with the regional government, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and relevant stakeholders.

“We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and share our concern over the disaster experienced by the community,” he said.

He explained that during the emergency response period, BNI is present to help meet the most urgent needs so that support can be felt immediately by the affected communities.

He said the aid distributed so far is only the initial phase, carried out through the BNI Berbagi programme.

The initial assistance includes mineral water, rice, instant noodles, eggs, cooking oil, milk, biscuits, baby nappies, and kitchen utensils, distributed in stages to several affected areas.

“This distribution is BNI’s initial phase of assistance. We will continue to monitor developments and coordinate with the regional government and BPBD to determine the most needed follow-up support for the community,” he said.

Okki said BNI will continue distributing aid in stages, adjusting to the priority needs in each affected area.

“Aid will continue to be distributed in stages, adjusting to developments in needs on the ground. BNI will remain present and coordinate with the regional government and BPBD to support the community during the emergency response period through to the recovery process,” he said.

The support is part of the synergy of the wider State-Owned Enterprise (BUMN) family under the coordination of Danantara Indonesia in supporting disaster response efforts.

In addition to providing aid, BNI has ensured that banking service operations in the affected areas continue to run, prioritising the safety of employees and customers.

Of the 25 BNI outlets in the Ende and Maumere areas, 24 outlets remain operational, while the Borong sub-branch office is temporarily closed due to cracks in the building that require repair.

Of the 67 ATMs in the area, 65 remain operational. Two ATMs located at the Borong sub-branch office are temporarily out of service.

To maintain service continuity, BNI has prepared an O-Branch, or mobile service, for Borong sub-branch customers while building repairs are under way.

Customers can also use 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 ensure that the community’s banking service needs can still be met during the recovery process,” he said.

BNI will normalise operations at the Borong sub-branch once the building is declared safe and meets the requirements for reuse.

“BNI will continue to coordinate with the regional 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 said.