BNI Empowers Disabilities Through Business Support And Inclusive MSME Programs

Photo: Doc. BNI

JAKARTA - PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BBNI) supports empowerment of disability groups through a number of social programs and strengthening business capacity.

This support is given in line with the commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities which falls every December 3, as a form of ongoing concern for vulnerable groups.

One of BNI's newest initiatives is the provision of assistance for the repair engine for the Mandiri Disabled Community in Banjardowo Market, Genuk District, Semarang City.

BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo said the assistance was directed to increase production capacity and strengthen the sustainability of community businesses that are a source of livelihood for its members.

"This assistance is a form of our commitment to open wider access to economic empowerment for disabled groups," Okki said in a written statement, Saturday, December 6.

According to Okki, the community has been producing small-scale briquettes with limited equipment. This condition is considered to hamper the ability of community members who mostly live in economic limitations, to develop and increase family income.

"BNI assesses that this community needs support to ensure its members have the appropriate means to develop their business and improve the welfare of their families," he added.

This program also supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially points 8 and 10 related to decent work, economic growth, and a reduction in gaps.

In addition to support for communities in Semarang, BNI also contributes to the MSME Disabilities Program implemented by the Jakarta Plus Center Foundation in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs in the DKI Jakarta Provincial Social Service Training Room.

The program includes support for business equipment for 10 disabled MSMEs, marketing facilities at Car Free Day, portable booths, social media management assistance, the provision of store furniture, and the manufacture of disability tools.

"We designed this program so that MSMEs with disabilities have a more structured, inclusive, and sustainable development platform," said Okki.

Through this series of initiatives, BNI emphasized its consistency in encouraging an increase in the welfare of persons with disabilities through access to economic empowerment, expansion of business opportunities, and the creation of a more inclusive MSME ecosystem.

"This ongoing effort is expected to strengthen social resilience as well as encourage economic independence for communities with disabilities in various regions," said Okki.