PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, or BNI, continues to expand access to financial services for the public by establishing a network of Laku Pandai agen46, extending to remote areas, including Bima City. This initiative aligns with the Government's Asta Cita program, which emphasizes economic equality and equitable development through strengthening the rural economy.
The development of agen46 is BNI's stepping stone to bring formal banking services closer to the public, ranging from basic transactions, transfers, to cash withdrawals, so that they are easily accessible without having to visit a branch office or ATM. Specifically, in the sixth point of Asta Cita, rural development is directed at accelerating poverty alleviation and encouraging local economic activity, including easy access to financial services.
BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo said that the presence of agen46 is aimed at expanding financial inclusion and literacy while boosting the local economy. “Through agen46, BNI strives to provide banking services that are more accessible to the public, while encouraging economic activity at the local level,” Okki said in a written statement.
In Bima City, microbusiness owners are directly benefiting from agen46. Fitra Wati, a food stall owner who is an agen46 partner, said that her business has grown since joining the program. Transactions take place almost around the clock, providing her with additional income.
“For transactions (as a BNI agen46), thank God, the profits add to my additional income. I can get KUR from BNI agen46 and increase my capital to further advance my business,” said Fitra.
The positive impact of agen46 is also experienced by the surrounding people. The Head of Woha Sub-Regency, Irfan HM Nor, said that the presence of agen46 facilitates the transaction needs of residents. “The presence of BNI agen46 is very helpful to our community in facilitating transactions according to the needs of the people in Woha Sub-Regency,” he said.
Rifiadin Akbar, a bus driver in Bima City, acknowledged a similar convenience. He said it helped him when he needed a money transfer without having to travel long distances. "My brother needed a money transfer. As a bus driver, the ATM is quite far from my house, but Ibu Fitra Wati's shop is nearby, so the transaction was completed immediately," he said.
Alan, an onion trader in Bima City, added that agen46 has reduced transaction times and costs. "Previously, transfers and cash withdrawals were quite difficult for me due to the long distance. With BNI agen46, it's really easy for people in Bima City to conduct any transactions," he said.
With the expansion of agen46 in cities such as Bima, BNI hopes that access to financial services will become more equitable and that the local economy will continue to grow. This initiative reinforces the role of agen46 as BNI's frontline in providing banking services that are closest to the community.