Appreciation of the State-Owned Enterprise Sector in Encouraging Regional Economic Equality
By: Nurul Janida
The State-Owned Enterprise (BUMN) sector has a strategic role in supporting economic equality in various regions in Indonesia. As the main pillar in national development, BUMN continues to develop programs that are oriented towards strengthening the local economy. One real form of BUMN’s contribution to economic equality is through programs that focus on empowering the economy and social of villages and micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM).
PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk or BNI continues to strengthen its role in encouraging economic equality through BNI Dedication, a program that focuses on empowering the village economy. This initiative is in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita which emphasizes development from the village to reduce poverty and improve community welfare.
Corporate Secretary, BNI Okki Rushartomo, said that BNI Dedication is a real form of BUMN’s contribution to advancing the economy of rural communities. This program not only aims to improve financial literacy and inclusion, but also encourages the implementation of a cashless society in rural areas and increases the competitiveness of superior village products and services.
The use of digital transactions not only increases efficiency and security, but also accelerates the flow of economic circulation in villages. With access to a digital payment system, small business actors can more easily make transactions, both with customers and suppliers, without having to rely on cash.
Since its launch in 2023, this program has distributed financing of IDR 35.42 billion to 137 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). In addition, BNI has also built 131 Agen46 to expand financial access in villages. Collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions, has also strengthened the implementation of this program.
BNI Dedication positions Village-Owned Enterprises (BUM Desa) as the main orchestrator in developing local economic potential. Through this program, BUM Desa not only receives financing such as People’s Business Credit (KUR) and BNI Wirausaha (BWU), but also training and mentoring to increase business capacity.
Strengthening the economy that focuses on villages is one of the strategic steps in reducing poverty and improving community welfare. With an approach that emphasizes local economic empowerment, villages can become centers of sustainable growth. One initiative that supports this effort is the BNI Dedication program, which is designed to strengthen the village economy through financial literacy, transaction digitalization, and increasing the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
This program aims to create a more inclusive financial ecosystem in villages by providing wider access to banking services. Through its various initiatives, BNI Dedication seeks to educate the public about the importance of using digital financial services, so that they can be more independent in managing their finances and businesses. Thus, the financial literacy of rural communities increases, which ultimately contributes to more equitable economic growth.
The implementation of this program also shows how technology can be utilized to improve the welfare of rural communities. The digitalization of financial services and business transactions makes it easier for people to access various banking facilities without having to travel far to the city center. This certainly accelerates financial inclusion and opens up wider economic opportunities for rural communities.
In addition, the Acting Mayor of Sabang, Andri Nourman, said that the BUMN will hold the BUMN Bakti Volunteer Program which will take place on February 16-20, 2025 in Batee Shoek Village, Sukamakmue District, Sabang City. This activity is an initiative that aims to improve community welfare through various social and economic empowerment programs.
