Encouraging the Active Role of the Banking Sector in Accelerating Economic Equality
By: Nasta Purnamasari
In an effort to realize economic equality throughout the country, the banking sector has a very strategic role. National banks not only function as financial intermediary institutions, but also as economic drivers that can accelerate inclusive development. Through various initiatives and innovations, banking is increasingly active in supporting government policies to build the economy from villages and strengthen national competitiveness.
BNI Corporate Secretary, Okki Rushartomo, emphasized that his party continues to strengthen its role in supporting economic equality. Through the BNI Dedication program, it focuses on empowering the village economy, in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita which emphasizes development from villages to reduce poverty and improve community welfare.
According to Okki, the bank is trying to improve literacy and financial inclusion in rural communities. One way to do this is by encouraging the implementation of a cashless society so that economic transactions become more efficient and transparent. In addition, this program also seeks to increase the competitiveness of superior village products and services, so that the local economy can develop and be able to compete in national and international markets. Thus, the banking sector not only plays a role as a provider of capital, but also as a facilitator of community-based economic development.
Meanwhile, BRI President Director, Sunarso, emphasized the importance of a hybrid banking strategy, namely a combination of digital and physical services to ensure equal access to financial services. In this case, the presence of BRILink Agents is a main pillar in building an inclusive and sustainable financial ecosystem.
According to him, BRI plays a key role in ensuring that people, especially in remote areas, have access to banking services. This is in line with the government’s efforts to accelerate digital-based economic transformation. Through this approach, people can easily make financial transactions, access business credit, and improve their standard of living through more accessible banking services.
BRI’s commitment to providing comprehensive financial solutions also supports the growth of the MSME sector. With various banking products tailored to the needs of small and medium business actors, BRI contributes to strengthening the foundation of a more inclusive and resilient national economy.
On the other hand, Bank Mandiri also continues to strive to provide financial services for all levels of society through a digitalization strategy. Bank Mandiri Corporate Secretary, Teuku Ali Usman, explained that digitalization of banking services is the key to encouraging equitable economic growth in this modern era.
In line with technological developments and changes in people’s behavior, Bank Mandiri noted that as many as 85 percent of new customers opened bank accounts through the Livin’ by Mandiri application. This figure shows that digitalization has become a major trend in banking services, facilitating access for the wider community to enjoy faster and more efficient financial services.
With more and more people connected to the digital banking system, the informal sector and MSMEs are expected to develop further, reduce economic disparities, and accelerate more equitable economic growth throughout Indonesia.
The efforts of various national banks in expanding access to financial services prove that the banking sector is a strategic partner of the government in achieving the national development vision. By strengthening financial inclusion, expanding service networks to remote villages, and adopting digital technology, banking is increasingly playing a role in creating a stronger and more inclusive economic ecosystem.
The government has established various policies to encourage equitable economic development, and the active role of banking is a key factor in supporting the realization of this goal. With the synergy between the banking sector and government policies, it is hoped that economic growth will not only be centered in big cities, but also spread evenly to villages.
As a society, we also have an important role in supporting these programs. By utilizing digital banking services, increasing financial literacy, and actively participating in local economic development, we can together create a more inclusive and highly competitive economy.
With collaboration between the government, banking, and society, the acceleration of economic equality can be realized soon, bringing Indonesia towards a more prosperous and sustainable future.
