BNI's Reporting of KUR Case in Jember Demonstrates Banking Transparency

What BNI’s board of directors has done demonstrates optimal performance in prevention, ensuring that such an incident does not recur.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Public policy analyst Trubus Rahadiansyah of Universitas Trisakti has assessed that the move by the board of directors of PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, or BNI, to report suspected irregularities in the distribution of People’s Business Credit (KUR) in Jember demonstrates the bank’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

In a written statement in Jakarta on Thursday, Trubus said the decision to disclose the suspected irregularity to law enforcement was a positive step, as it shows that the company’s internal oversight function is working.

“What BNI’s board of directors has done demonstrates optimal performance in prevention, ensuring that such an incident does not recur,” he said.

He explained that irregularities in the banking sector can occur through a variety of methods.

Therefore, an institution’s ability to detect problems, take action against suspected individuals, and hand the matter over to the authorities is an important part of strengthening the control system.

According to Trubus, this step relates not only to handling the case that has occurred, but also to reinforcing preventive aspects in future credit distribution.

In addition to reporting the case, BNI has dismissed internal staff suspected of involvement and strengthened credit analysis, verification of prospective borrowers, digitalisation of processes, monitoring, and audits of KUR distribution.

Trubus considered these actions to reflect positively on BNI’s efforts to improve governance and maintain the quality of services to the public.

He added that handling those suspected of wrongdoing remains the authority of law enforcement, through examination based on facts and evidence.

However, he said, an institution’s steps in uncovering irregularities, taking action against individuals, reporting the case, and strengthening the oversight system should be placed in proportion.

According to Trubus, these efforts demonstrate the intention of BNI’s board of directors to keep KUR distribution accountable and on target.

Previously, BNI stated that the report on the suspected irregularity in KUR distribution in Jember had been submitted by the company since 2024.

“This case began with BNI’s report to law enforcement after the company found indications of irregularities in the credit application and disbursement process. BNI respects the ongoing legal process and is being cooperative during the investigation,” said BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo.

This step forms part of BNI’s proactive efforts to safeguard the governance of credit distribution and the application of the principle of prudence.