Bank Jakarta Aims to Become a Link Between Citizens, MSMEs and Investors in the Middle of Jakarta's Ambition to Become a Global City

JAKARTA - Bank Jakarta has prepared four strategies to strengthen its role in the development of Jakarta, ranging from expanding access to financial services, supporting MSMEs, financing housing to attracting investment.

Bank Jakarta President Director Agus H. Widodo said that Jakarta's current challenge is no longer just building infrastructure or introducing new technology. According to him, what needs to be strengthened is the connectivity between the community, business world, investors, and the government.

"Jakarta does not lack buildings, roads, or technology. What still needs to be strengthened is the connection between residents and services, MSMEs with markets, investors with opportunities, and the government with the community," said Agus in the Urban Talks BUMD: Catalyst City, Development Accelerator at the Jakarta Future Festival 2026 series at Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), Cikini, Menteng, Central Jakarta, Friday, June 5.

Agus assessed that each BUMD has a different function in supporting urban life. MRT Jakarta plays a role in connecting the mobility of residents, Transjakarta is the backbone of public transportation, while PAM Jaya manages clean water services.

In the financial sector, Bank Jakarta wants to take a position as a link between various economic activities and city development.

"Bank Jakarta wants to be a Financial Operating System for Jakarta, which connects various opportunities and needs of the community in one integrated financial ecosystem," he said.

To achieve this target, Bank Jakarta places the expansion of financial inclusion as one of its main focuses. Agus admitted that there are still people who have not been connected to formal financial services so they need a wider and more accessible approach.

In addition, Bank Jakarta is also trying to strengthen the development of MSMEs. According to Agus, small business actors not only need access to financing, but also support to expand the market and enter the digital ecosystem.

"MSMEs not only need loans, but also need opportunities to grow and enter into a larger economic ecosystem," he said.

The company also pays attention to access to housing financing for the younger generation. Agus assessed that the high price of housing in Jakarta is a challenge that needs to be answered through a more affordable financing scheme.

"Access to home financing must be part of the city's strategy because many young people have difficulty reaching the price of houses in Jakarta," said Agus.

On the other hand, Bank Jakarta is also trying to strengthen investor confidence to invest capital in Jakarta. Because, city development cannot only depend on the Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD).

"The role of Bank Jakarta is not only to collect funds and channel credit, but to become a link between residents, MSMEs, governments, and investors in one city ecosystem," he said.

Agus emphasized that the digital transformation taking place in Jakarta must also benefit all levels of society. According to him, technological progress should not only be enjoyed by certain groups.

"Technology without inclusion will only create an ever-widening gap. Therefore, digital transformation must benefit those who have been left behind," said Agus.