BNI Marks 80 Years of Growing with Indonesia in the Spirit of 'Swadharma Bhakti Nagara'
PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, or BNI, is marking eight decades as the country’s first state-owned national bank. Ahead of its 80th anniversary on 5 July 2026, the bank has adopted the theme ‘Swadharma Bhakti Nagara’ as a reflection of its journey in serving the nation, the state, and the Indonesian people. To coincide with the milestone, BNI is also launching a special programme called ‘Terus Ada, Ada Terus’ as a token of appreciation for its loyal customers.
BNI President Director Putrama Wahju Setyawan stated that the bank’s 80-year journey reflects not only business growth but also its consistency in maintaining public trust and fulfilling its role as a bank born from the spirit of nationalism. ‘For eight decades, BNI has grown together with Indonesia. Every step we take is grounded in the spirit of providing greater benefits to society, the nation, and the state,’ he said in a written statement on Friday.
According to Putrama, BNI’s ability to survive, grow, and remain relevant for 80 years rests on the value of Swadharma Bhakti Nagara. This value serves as a compass in carrying out professional responsibilities, serving the community, and contributing to the national interest. He explained that Swadharma reflects the awareness to execute responsibilities with discipline, integrity, and competence. Bhakti embodies the spirit of service so that every business decision provides broader benefits to society. Nagara affirms BNI’s orientation towards supporting national development and maintaining economic stability.
These values are manifested in BNI’s work culture through three main behaviours: Seva, Karya, and Raksa. Seva emphasises wholehearted service and trust-building, Karya encourages professionalism and result orientation, while Raksa underscores the importance of integrity, good governance, and prudent risk management.
Putrama said this philosophy has become BNI’s foundation in facing changing times. Since its establishment on 5 July 1946, amidst the struggle to defend independence, BNI has made historic contributions to the development of Indonesia’s economy and banking industry. BNI was founded by R.M. Margono Djojohadikusumo, a national economic figure who helped lay the institutional foundations of the Republic of Indonesia’s financial system and is also known as the grandfather of the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto. As the founder, R.M. Margono Djojohadikusumo instilled a spirit of dedication to the country that continues to live on within the company, aligning with the Swadharma Bhakti Nagara values.
As the first bank of the Republic of Indonesia, BNI played a role in the issuance of Oeang Republik Indonesia (ORI) as a symbol of the nation’s economic sovereignty. Since then, BNI has continued to grow alongside Indonesia’s journey from the early days of independence to becoming one of the largest economic forces in Southeast Asia. Throughout its development, BNI has been present for various community needs across generations, from education and employment to business, investment, and retirement. The bank has also expanded access to financial services through its branch network, digital services, and Agen46 agents reaching various regions across Indonesia.
BNI has continuously adapted to the changing needs of society. From conventional face-to-face banking services, BNI has evolved into a modern financial institution that integrates technology into all aspects of its services. This transformation remains rooted in the spirit of ‘Melayani Sepenuh Hati’ (Serving Wholeheartedly), ensuring that innovations presented are oriented towards customer comfort and needs. ‘But behind all these changes, one thing remains the same: BNI’s spirit of dedication to the nation. Strategies and technologies will continue to evolve with the times, but the values of Swadharma Bhakti Nagara will always be the compass guiding our every step in serving Indonesia,’ Putrama said.
In line with this spirit, the ‘Terus Ada, Ada Terus’ programme is presented to offer various deals and benefits to customers through BNI’s products and services. This programme serves as a form of appreciation to customers while reaffirming that the bank is present at every stage of people’s lives. BNI emphasised that eight decades of experience serve as important capital for the company to strengthen its role as a partner in national development, an economic driver, and a financial friend to the community. By living the values of Seva, Karya, and Raksa, BNI is committed to continuing its transformation and innovation to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Entering its 80th year, BNI stated it will continue to move forward with the Indonesian people by providing relevant services, opening opportunities, and delivering added value for future generations.