From Business Mentoring to Transaction Security Education, BRI Mantri Stay Close to Communities in Lubuklinggau

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Located in the western part of South Sumatra, Lubuklinggau has developed into a city with diverse community activities. Trade is one of the drivers of its economy, while in some areas residents also rely on plantations for their livelihood.

For Teti Ernawati, the challenging character of the area she oversees is part of her profession as a micro-marketing officer, commonly known as a Mantri BRI, at the Garuda Unit, Lubuklinggau Branch Office. Since becoming a Mantri BRI in 2017, Teti has mentored hundreds of borrowers spread across four urban villages: Lubuk Tanjung, Tanjung Aman, Tanjung Indah, and Watas.

The borrowers run a variety of businesses, with rubber plantations and trade being the sectors she assists most. To reach these areas, Teti makes regular visits organised by location, allowing her to work productively while maximising the potential of each urban village.

“Being a Mantri BRI brings its own satisfaction and happiness because I can contribute to many lives. I develop, both for myself and for others, through direct interaction in the field. There are many life lessons to be gained, and these give me new knowledge to become better,” said Teti.

During her visits, Teti meets business owners directly to observe the development of their businesses and gain an understanding of their needs. She helps MSME players whose businesses are growing through financing, encourages strategic trading businesses to become BRILink Agents, and helps customers access various banking products and services.

“As a Mantri BRI, I choose an approach based on good interaction and communication. The process of adapting to customers’ needs can unite us around a common goal. A good relationship begins with good communication. Understanding customers’ needs is the key to determining what actions we take next,” she explained.

Interaction with customers has also led Teti to discover problems not always related to business development. In urban areas, she still encounters customers who do not understand the importance of protecting personal data when operating in the digital sphere. She therefore also provides education so that customers are more careful in safeguarding personal information when using financial services.

For Teti, meeting people of many different characters and life stories is an important part of her work. From them, she has learned to make decisions more wisely while finding pride in being able to bring meaning to others.

“There are many things that bring joy, one of which is growing alongside and playing a part in the success of the business owners we have financed. There is a special satisfaction in seeing the businesses we support continue to grow and succeed,” said Teti.

BRI Corporate Secretary Dhanny said Teti’s experience demonstrates how the role of a Mantri BRI is built through closeness to communities and an understanding of their needs.

“Closeness to communities enables a Mantri BRI to directly understand the development of businesses and people’s needs. This is an important part of BRI’s efforts to continue supporting business owners and expanding access to financial services across various regions,” Dhanny concluded.