PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk or BNI continues to strengthen its role in encouraging economic equality through BNI Dedication, a program that focuses on empowering the village economy. This initiative is in line with President Prabowo Subianto's Asta Cita which emphasizes development from the village to reduce poverty and improve community welfare.
BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo explained that BNI Dedikasi is a real manifestation of BNI's contribution in advancing the economy of rural communities. "This program not only aims to improve financial literacy and inclusion, but also encourages the implementation of a cashless society in rural areas and increases the competitiveness of superior village products and services," said Okki.
Since its launch in 2023, the program has distributed IDR35.42 billion in financing to 137 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). In addition, BNI has also built 131 Agen46 to expand financial access in villages. Collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions, has also strengthened the implementation of this program.
BNI Dedikasi places Village-Owned Enterprises (BUM Desa) as the main orchestrator in developing local economic potential. Through this program, BUM Desa not only receives financing such as People's Business Credit (KUR) and BNI Wirausaha (BWU), but also training and mentoring to increase business capacity.
"We encourage Village-Owned Enterprises to continue optimizing and developing the rural economy. This is expected to contribute to increasing Village Original Income, which is the key to equitable rural economy," added Okki.
The program also includes incubation, acceleration, and penetration of superior products or services in each village. In addition, BNI also encourages environmentally friendly practices in the production process to achieve sustainable effectiveness and efficiency.
The BNI Dedikasi program's effectiveness can be measured not only by the amount of funding granted, but also by the increase in financial literacy of rural communities. Agen46 now provides rural communities with easier access to financial services, including non-cash transactions.
This program is expected to be a model for sustainable village economic empowerment, while supporting government efforts to reduce the economic gap between cities and villages. Through collaboration with various parties, BNI is committed to continuing to contribute to advancing the Indonesian economy, starting from the village.
"BNI Dedikasi is real evidence that economic development must start from the village. By empowering MSMEs and BUM Desa, we can create a strong economic foundation for the future of Indonesia," concluded Okki.
The BNI Dedikasi program is not only a strategic step in supporting economic equality, but also a real example of how national banking can play an active role in building an inclusive and sustainable economy.