Students Protest, Bank Kalteng Urged to Improve BLT Card Huma Betang Disbursement Services

The services for disbursing BLT funds via the Kartu Huma Betang at Bank Kalteng’s Main Branch (KCU) in Palangka Raya have been reported as extremely poor, sparking outrage among student activists. General Chairman of PW SEMMI Central Kalimantan, Afan Safrian, emphasised that the sight of people queuing for hours until exhausted is clear evidence of the management’s incompetence. “It is highly ironic. On one hand, our Governor is striving to provide assistance through the Kartu Huma Betang, but on the other, certain Bank Kalteng bureaucrats are tormenting the people with inhumane queues,” Afan stated in his comments on Thursday, 19 March 2026. Afan presented the ‘Three People’s Instructions’ (TIRAK), containing three demands from SEMMI Central Kalimantan. First, SEMMI demands that the Board of Directors of Bank Kalteng immediately dismiss the Head of KCU Palangka Raya. “The Governor has already conducted an inspection, but there has been no change. This means the Head of KCU is stubborn and incapable of working. There is no room for guidance; the only option is dismissal,” Afan said. Second, SEMMI urges the creation of additional dedicated counters to make the BLT disbursement queue process easier for those waiting. SEMMI demands the provision of proper tents and chairs, as well as the addition of special counters for Kartu Huma Betang BLT disbursements so that the public does not have to wait for hours. Third, SEMMI also calls for transparency on why Bank Kalteng seems to falter in handling the Kartu Huma Betang disbursements, even though the programme has been meticulously planned by the Provincial Government. “Do not let there be an impression that Bank Kalteng is deliberately obstructing the Governor’s flagship programme,” he said. Furthermore, Afan warned that if there is no significant change on the ground in the near future and firm action against the KCU leadership, SEMMI will take decisive steps. “We already have data from the disappointed public. If these aspirations are treated as mere passing wind, we will lead a wave of mass action ourselves. We will occupy the Bank Kalteng headquarters until the Head of KCU is ensured to leave his position! Do not test the patience of students and the people,” he stated.