BSI Recognises Agents for Expanding Access to Finance
JAKARTA – Access to Islamic banking services is continuing to expand into remote and border areas, bringing services to people who live far from branches and ATMs. The expansion of banking-agent networks also offers micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the regions an opportunity to earn additional income.
PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BSI), together with Danantara Indonesia, has developed a network of more than 135,000 BSI Agents across Indonesia. The network has reached several outlying areas, including Sabang in Aceh, Sebatik Island in North Kalimantan, Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara, Morotai Island in North Maluku, and Merauke in Papua.
BSI Deputy President Director Bob Ananta said the expansion aims to bring Islamic financial services closer to the public, particularly in areas with inadequate access to banking facilities.
“We are continuing to expand the BSI Agent network so that people, including those living in villages and outlying areas, can easily access Islamic banking services without having to travel long distances to branches or ATMs,” Bob said in a statement on Friday (30 October 2026).
The wider access has been accompanied by increased transaction activity through the agent network. By August 2026, the value of transactions conducted through BSI Agents had reached Rp52.80 trillion, up 38.41 per cent year on year.
Meanwhile, the average number of agents has risen by 8.13 per cent annually. The network’s growth reflects the increasingly widespread use of agent-based banking services across the regions.
Through BSI Agents, customers can deposit and withdraw cash, make interbank transfers and bill payments, purchase digital products, and top up e-wallet balances. Other services include opening accounts, referrals for BSI Emas and Hajj Savings, and support for the Hajj services ecosystem.
In addition to broadening access to financial services, the agents create business opportunities for local people. Most BSI Agents are MSME operators, such as owners of basic-goods shops, mobile-phone credit kiosks and retail businesses, who earn extra income from banking transactions.
According to BSI, agents can earn additional income of up to millions of rupiah a month, depending on the number and volume of transactions they handle.
“BSI Agents do more than bring banking services into the community; they also create new business opportunities for MSMEs. The greater the volume of transactions they handle, the greater the economic benefits agents receive. This is a tangible form of financial inclusion that also supports economic growth in the community,” Bob added.
To boost the network’s performance, BSI also rewards agents through several programmes: Umroh Impian BSI Agen, Amazing Gold Race BSI Agen, and BSI Agen Champion.
The reward programmes recognise agents for their performance and contribution to expanding access to Islamic banking services. BSI also honours high-achieving agents as part of its support for developing financial-service networks in the regions.
BSI plans to continue expanding its agent network to extend the reach of Islamic banking services and strengthen economic opportunities for MSMEs across Indonesia.