BI Lowers Interest Rates, BNI Affirms Ready To Boost Productive Loans
JAKARTA - PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk or BNI stated its readiness to optimally utilize monetary policy easing, following the Bank Indonesia (BI) decision to lower the benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 4.75 percent. This step is considered an important stimulus to encourage national economic growth.
BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo said the reduction in BI's benchmark interest rate gave a positive signal for the banking industry as well as an impetus for the business world. With more efficient funding costs, banks have the opportunity to strengthen financing, reduce credit interest expense, and provide wider space for the real sector to develop.
"This easing of the benchmark interest rate is a momentum for banks, including BNI, to increase the distribution of productive loans at a more efficient cost of funds. We see that BI's steps are in line with the government's efforts to maintain the momentum of national economic growth," Okki said in a written statement, Thursday, September 18.
Furthermore, Okki explained, BI's decision opened up space for lower lending rates, increased liquidity, and strengthening the absorption of financing to priority sectors. This is considered to accelerate the recovery of people's purchasing power while at the same time encouraging the expansion of business actors.
"BNI will take advantage of this momentum to direct financing in productive sectors such as MSMEs, people's housing, trade, and industry, so that the benefits are directly felt by the community," he added.
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Despite expanding lending, BNI emphasized that it maintains a balance between credit growth and asset quality. The company is committed to channeling prudent financing while still prioritizing good governance principles.
"We are optimistic that with the combination of the monetary stimulus from BI and the government's fiscal policy, the prospects for BNI credit growth will be stronger as well as make a positive contribution to the national economy," said Okki.