ITB students get ATM cards

BANDUNG, West Java: Freshman students at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) this year will receive a student card that also functions as an automated teller machine bank card at Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI).

ITB rector Wiranto Arismundar said yesterday that the cards will help the students with paying their fees and other financial matters.

BNI regional bank chief, Umar Sjarifuddin, admitted that while this was primarily an educational mission, business interests were also involved. "Of course we're thinking of gaining some profit," he said.

Each student will have to deposit at least Rp 25,000 (US$10.80) in a BNI account. (17/mds)