BRI strengthens Nias community economy through MSME potential development
PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) is strengthening the people’s economy through community empowerment in Bawomataluo Village, South Nias Regency, North Sumatra, by developing the economic potential of local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and tourism.
RCEO BRI Region 1 Medan Novian Supriatno said the activities were carried out through a series of social and community empowerment programmes.
“These activities are part of BRI’s efforts to provide benefits to the community while encouraging inclusive economic growth,” Novian said in a statement received in Medan on Monday.
The series of activities included support for strengthening the community economy, free health checks, public entertainment, and the activation of BRI Peduli “Satu Tanda, Sejuta Harapan” for communities affected by disasters.
According to Novian, Bawomataluo Village has cultural, social, economic and tourism potential that can be developed in tandem to create new business opportunities and improve community welfare.
“Indonesia will not grow strong if development is concentrated only in cities. Growth must be felt down to the village level. Therefore, the potential that exists in villages must be developed into productive economic activities, creating business opportunities, strengthening MSMEs, and ultimately improving community welfare,” he said.
He said strengthening the village community economy is in line with the Desa BRILiaN programme developed by BRI through four aspects: village-owned enterprises (BUMDesa), digitalisation, innovation and sustainability.
The programme is directed at optimising local resources, strengthening economic institutions, increasing community capacity, and building an independent and sustainable village economic ecosystem.
According to him, the historical and cultural wealth of Bawomataluo also has great potential to support the development of the tourism sector and drive the community economy.
This potential can be developed through various economic activities, such as MSMEs, crafts, culinary businesses, tourism services, and other tourism-supporting enterprises.
“MSMEs are an important part of the community economy. Behind one business there is a family, workers, and an economic chain that moves together. Therefore, strengthening MSMEs means strengthening the foundation of the community economy,” he added.
BRI’s commitment received appreciation from the South Nias Regency Government. South Nias Regency Regional Secretary Amsarno Satriawan Sarumaha said BRI’s presence provides direct benefits to the community.
“We express our appreciation to BRI for being present and taking part in activities in Bawomataluo. This is not merely a ceremonial activity, but part of a joint effort to provide benefits to the community, drive the economy, and introduce Bawomataluo’s potential to the wider public and tourists,” he said.