BSI Finalises Operational Preparations for Saudi Arabia Branch
PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk (BSI) is finalising operational preparations for its overseas branch office (KCLN) in Saudi Arabia. This step is being taken to strengthen services for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims while expanding Sharia financial service connectivity between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.
BSI Corporate Secretary Wisnu Sunandar stated that the company is currently focused on perfecting various aspects of operational readiness, ranging from service enhancement and infrastructure development to fulfilling regulatory requirements applicable in Saudi Arabia. “We continue to perfect all aspects of operational readiness as part of the process of opening BSI services in Saudi Arabia,” Wisnu said in a written statement in Jakarta on Monday.
Wisnu explained that Saudi Arabia holds a strategic position for BSI as it is the centre of the world’s Hajj and Umrah ecosystem. The presence of a BSI branch in the country is expected to provide closer and more integrated services for Indonesian citizens, from the departure preparation stage through to activities while in the Holy Land. “Saudi Arabia is the centre of the world’s Hajj and Umrah ecosystem and has strategic significance for BSI. Our presence there is a manifestation of our commitment to accompany Indonesian society more closely by presenting Sharia financial services that support the pilgrimage journey end-to-end, from the preparation stage in Indonesia to activities while in the Holy Land,” Wisnu said.
BSI previously obtained initial approval from the Saudi Central Bank, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA), in 2024 to open an overseas branch office in the country. The company is now continuing the preparation process so that branch operations can commence promptly in accordance with local regulator provisions.
According to Wisnu, strengthening BSI’s presence in Saudi Arabia is not solely aimed at expanding international business. The move is also directed at reinforcing the Sharia financial ecosystem that connects Indonesia with the centre of worship activities for the world’s Muslim community.
BSI assesses that the presence of a branch in Saudi Arabia will support Indonesia’s efforts to become a major player in the global Sharia economy. Additionally, the available services are expected to answer customer needs more comprehensively, particularly for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and the Indonesian diaspora.
Company data shows that approximately 203,000 prospective Indonesian Hajj pilgrims depart each year. Of that number, around 170,000 people, or 83 percent, are BSI customers. In the Umrah segment, based on 2025 data from the Integrated Umrah and Special Hajj Management Computerisation System (Siskopatuh), 1.6 million Indonesians performed the Umrah pilgrimage. Approximately 84 percent of them utilised BSI services.
The company considers these high figures to reflect the substantial public trust in BSI’s Sharia financial services, while simultaneously strengthening the bank’s position in the national Hajj and Umrah financial ecosystem.
As support for the 2026 Hajj season, BSI is also strengthening cooperation with BPKH Limited through the provision of service booths at several strategic points in Makkah and Jeddah. These facilities are used to provide information, education, and assistance to Indonesian pilgrims while in Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, BSI launched the Peduli Lansia (Elderly Care) programme by providing special stickers for elderly pilgrims. This programme is intended to help identify pilgrims requiring special attention while supporting more inclusive services during the Hajj pilgrimage.
With these various preparations, BSI hopes the presence of its branch in Saudi Arabia can soon provide benefits for Indonesian pilgrims, strengthen Sharia economic relations between the two countries, and expand the reach of national Sharia financial services at the global level.