BNI Provides Aid for Communities Affected by Forest and Land Fires in Central Kalimantan
PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, or BNI, has distributed humanitarian aid to communities affected by forest and land fires (karhutla) in several areas of Central Kalimantan. The assistance, provided through the BNI Berbagi programme, is intended to support on-the-ground response efforts while helping to meet the needs of affected residents.
BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo said the bank coordinated with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and relevant stakeholders to ensure the aid was distributed according to the needs in each area.
“We are concerned about the conditions faced by communities due to the forest and land fires in Central Kalimantan. BNI is working to provide the necessary support, both to assist with on-the-ground response and to meet the basic needs of affected residents,” Okki said in a written statement.
To date, BNI Berbagi assistance has reached ten areas in Central Kalimantan: East Kotawaringin, West Kotawaringin, Pulang Pisau, North Barito, Palangka Raya, Murung Raya, Gunung Mas, Katingan, South Barito, and Kapuas.
BNI distributed a range of equipment to support forest and land fire response through the local BPBD, including water pumps, boots, and headlamps. In addition, aid for residents included N95 masks, mineral water, vitamins, milk, oxygen cylinders, and food supplies such as instant noodles and sardines.
The support is expected to assist officers and volunteers in handling and controlling the fires, while also helping residents cope with the impact of the disaster and meet their needs during the emergency period.
“This assistance is a form of BNI’s concern for the community as well as support for officers and volunteers in the field. We will continue to coordinate with BPBD and related parties to adjust support according to evolving needs,” Okki said.
As part of the state-owned enterprise ecosystem within Danantara Indonesia, BNI continues to carry out its social role by being present in communities, including during emergencies and disasters. This commitment aligns with the spirit of BNI’s 80th anniversary, Swadharma Bhakti Nagara, to continue serving wholeheartedly and providing benefits to society and the nation.