Expand Financial Inclusion, BNI Presents agen46 to the Bottom of Bima City

JAKARTA - PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk or BNI continues to expand access to financial services for the community by presenting a network of smart agents 46 to the corners of the region, including in Bima City. This step is in line with the Government's Asta Cita which emphasizes economic equity and equitable development through economic empowerment from the village.

The development of agen46 is a foothold for BNI to bring formal banking services closer, ranging from basic transactions, transfers, to cash withdrawals so that they are easily accessible to the public without having to go to branch offices or ATMs. Especially in the sixth point of Asta Cita, development from villages is directed to accelerate poverty eradication and encourage 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 as well as driving the local economy. "Through agen46, BNI strives to provide banking services that are easier for people to reach, while encouraging economic activity at the local level," said Okki in a written statement.

In Bima City, the benefits of agen46 are felt directly by micro-business actors. Fitra Wati, owner of a warung who is an agen46 partner, said that her business has grown since joining. Transaction activities take place almost all day and provide additional income.

"For transactions (as BNI agent46), thank God the profit adds additional income. Can get KUR from BNI agent46 and can add capital to be more advanced," said Fitra.

The positive impact of agen46 is also felt by the surrounding community. The head of the Woha Sub-district, Woha Sub-district Irfan HM Nor said that the presence of agen46 made it easier for residents' transaction needs. "The existence of BNI agen46 is very helpful to our community in the process of facilitating transactions according to the needs of the community in the Woha Sub-district," he said.

Similar ease was acknowledged by Rifiadin Akbar, a bus driver in Bima City. He admitted that he was helped when he needed a transfer service without having to travel long distances. "My brother needs a money transfer. As a bus driver, the distance from home to the ATM is quite far, while Ibu Fitra Wati's stall is close, so the transaction can be completed immediately," he said.

Alan, a garlic trader in Bima City, added that agen46 shortened the time and cost of transactions. "I used to have a hard time transferring or withdrawing cash because of the long distance. With this BNI agen46, it is very easy for people in Bima City to do any transaction," he said.

With the expansion of agents46 as in Bima City, BNI hopes that access to community financial services will be more equitable and local economic turnover will increase. This initiative confirms the role of agents46 as BNI's front line in providing banking services that are closest to the community.