BRI's 'Mantri' Officers: From Muddy Roads to Remote Villages, Driving Grassroots Economic Growth

For nearly three years, Rani Kanov Rianti Harahap has served as a micro-marketing officer, or ‘Mantri’, for Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) in the Simpang Barakas unit, Sibuhuan. Her first placement was in a region with difficult access, where unpaved roads turned to mud when it rained and communication signals were limited. These daily challenges only strengthened her resolve to support the local community. She views her role not just as a profession, but as an opportunity to be part of changing people’s lives. ‘I want to be a bridge for change for the community. I want them to see that business capital, which may seem small, can change a family’s life. When their businesses grow, it becomes a source of pride for me,’ Rani stated. Building relationships with the community goes beyond banking services; it involves listening, understanding their business conditions, and being present when they need guidance. This approach has enabled many customers to progress from receiving People’s Business Credit (KUR) to scaling up their ventures through commercial financing, demonstrating that access to capital combined with mentorship can have a tangible impact on improving welfare. Beyond business mentoring, Rani actively provides education on financial literacy and the use of BRI’s digital services, including BRImo, QRIS, and BRILink Agents. This education encourages the community to utilise formal financial services in a safer, more efficient, and productive manner. Akhmad Purwakajaya, BRI’s Director of Micro, stated that the role of the Mantri is the bank’s spearhead in carrying out its mission of grassroots economic empowerment. The presence of Mantri officers within the community is a key part of BRI’s strategy to build financial inclusion while sustainably strengthening the capacity of MSME players.