BRI (BBRI) Responds to Finance Minister Purbaya's Plan to Transform PNM into an SME Bank
PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BBRI) has responded to the Ministry of Finance’s (Kemenkeu) plan to take over its subsidiary, PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM), to transform it into a specialised bank for MSMEs.
BRI Corporate Secretary Dhanny stated that the bank fully supports the government’s policies and strategic steps to strengthen the MSME financing ecosystem as part of efforts to promote people’s economic growth. He described MSMEs as the backbone of Indonesia’s economic growth, playing a crucial role in the nation’s economic journey.
“We are optimistic that the government will continue to pay close attention and encourage MSMEs to grow sustainably,” Dhanny told CNBC Indonesia on (8/4/2026).
As part of the Ultra Micro (UMi) Holding, Dhanny noted that BRI and PNM have maintained close synergy in expanding access to financing for the ultra-micro and MSME segments. This synergy has proven effective in enhancing financial inclusion and literacy while promoting sustainable community economic empowerment.
Dhanny outlined that the ultra-micro holding ecosystem recorded 1.4 million debtors successfully graduating to higher levels throughout 2025, representing an annual growth of 11.82% year-on-year (yoy).
He reiterated that the state-owned bank will continue to monitor and follow directions from the government and shareholders regarding Kemenkeu’s plan to take over PNM.
“Regarding the evolving policy dynamics, BRI will continue to observe and adhere to directives from the regulator and controlling shareholders, while ensuring all company operations remain prudent, in line with good corporate governance (GCG) principles and strong risk management,” Dhanny emphasised.
Previously, Finance Minister Purbaya revealed that he has obtained approval from President Prabowo Subianto to take over PNM from BPI Danantara.
He stated that the takeover of PNM would position it as an entity managed by a public service body under Kemenkeu, to be transformed into a specialised MSME bank.
“So PNM will become a bank possibly under PT SMI or PIP, under our auspices, which will channel KUR (People’s Business Credit),” Purbaya said during a working meeting with Commission XI of the DPR in Jakarta on Monday (6/4/2026).
Furthermore, Purbaya explained that the establishment of this MSME bank would not only focus on financing but would also build an integrated ecosystem to comprehensively support the growth of small and medium enterprises.
“Later, I will also build an ecosystem that supports integrated MSME development, including advisors, training, marketing, credit guarantees, and so on,” he said.
Purbaya admitted that he has already reported this concept to President Prabowo Subianto and received the green light to proceed. Currently, the concept is in the negotiation stage with Danantara.
For context, PNM is a business entity owned by PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BBRI). Meanwhile, BRI is a state-owned enterprise controlled by Danantara.