BSI Strengthens Services Ahead of Branch Operations in Saudi Arabia

Jakarta (ANTARA) - PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BSI) is maturing its overseas branch office operations in Saudi Arabia by strengthening service capabilities to deliver a secure, comfortable transaction experience tailored to the needs of hajj and umrah pilgrims. Corporate Secretary Wisnu Sunandar stated that the ongoing operational preparations also include infrastructure development and regulatory compliance. “We continue to refine all aspects of operational readiness as part of the process of opening BSI services in Saudi Arabia,” Wisnu said in a statement on Monday. With the support of all stakeholders, Wisnu expressed hope that BSI’s presence in Saudi Arabia will soon provide tangible benefits for hajj and umrah pilgrims and the Indonesian diaspora, while simultaneously strengthening sharia economic ties between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. He noted that reinforcing BSI’s presence in Saudi Arabia is part of the company’s long-term vision to build cross-border sharia financial service connectivity capable of comprehensively meeting customer needs. “Saudi Arabia is the world’s hajj and umrah ecosystem hub and holds strategic significance for BSI. Our presence there embodies a commitment to accompany the Indonesian community more closely by providing 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. Previously in 2024, BSI obtained initial approval from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) to open an overseas branch office. Through this strengthened presence in Saudi Arabia, BSI is expected not only to expand its international business but also to build a foundation for a sharia financial ecosystem connecting Indonesia with the global centre of Islamic worship. The company views this step as part of a strategy to deliver more relevant services, enhance the competitiveness of the national sharia financial industry, and support Indonesia as a key player in the global sharia economy. Annually, Indonesia dispatches an average of around 203,000 prospective hajj pilgrims, with approximately 170,000, or 83 percent, being BSI customers. In the umrah segment, based on 2025 Siskopatuh data, 1.6 million Indonesians performed umrah, and around 84 percent utilised BSI services. These figures, according to the company, reflect high public trust and reinforce BSI’s leadership in the sharia financial ecosystem for hajj and umrah. As part of its service commitment for the 2026 hajj season, the company is also strengthening collaboration with BPKH Limited as a strategic partner in Saudi Arabia to provide service booths at several strategic points in Makkah and Jeddah. BSI’s presence at these booths aims to offer information, education, and assistance to Indonesian pilgrims, while introducing various sharia financial service solutions that support their needs in the Holy Land. The company also launched the “Peduli Lansia” initiative by providing special stickers for elderly pilgrims as a symbol of care and an effort to deliver more inclusive services. According to the company, this programme complements its commitment to supporting the smoothness and comfort of worship, especially for pilgrims requiring special attention.