Strengthening the People's Economy, BRILink Agents Help Simplify Banking Transactions for Residents and Create Business Opportunities in Sumba

For residents of Dusun Bukit Tinggi, Desa Dete, Kecamatan Lape, West Nusa Tenggara, conducting banking transactions was once no simple matter. To merely send money or withdraw funds, the community had to travel up to a dozen kilometres to the nearest bank office.

Such limited access often hindered residents who needed quick transactions for daily needs or business purposes. This situation prompted Rieche Endah, a local resident, to introduce a more accessible financial solution for the community.

Through the BRILink Agent service, she has been providing easier access to banking transactions for nearby residents since 2013.

“I started as a BRILink Agent in 2013. At that time, I saw many people struggling with transactions because the distance to the bank was quite far. I thought that if there was a service to help them transact closer by, it would certainly be very convenient,” said Rieche.

With that spirit, Rieche began her journey as a BRILink Agent. Initially, the business was run simply. She handled various community transaction needs, from fund transfers to cash withdrawals. Gradually, the community became aware of the service.

Community trust grew over time. People who previously had to travel far to the bank now had a closer alternative. For small business operators, the presence of the service also greatly assisted their daily business activities.

“Now, it’s not just local residents who come. There are also small entrepreneurs and newcomers who make transfers or withdraw money here. Alhamdulillah, many have felt helped,” she stated.

Over time, Rieche’s business has developed. Her business location has become increasingly known to the community. However, behind this growth, the journey as a BRILink Agent has not been without various challenges.

As a financial transaction service provider, she must face various risks, from potential transaction errors to frequent fraud threats in financial activities.

“The challenges are actually quite numerous. Sometimes there’s concern if a wrong transfer occurs or there’s a fraud scheme. But fortunately, so far, we’ve been assisted by BRI staff in recognising fraud schemes. Thus, everything can still be controlled well because we are more careful in every transaction,” said Rieche.