JAKARTA – PT Bank Negara Indonesia Tbk (Persero) (BBNI) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government's initiative to expand financing access for Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI), particularly through the People’s Business Credit (KUR) program.

The program is designed to facilitate easier access to financing for PMIs, supporting their employment abroad.

Royke Tumilaar, President Director of BNI, in a written statement, mentioned that since 2015, BNI has actively disbursed KUR to migrant workers.

“As the largest Indonesian bank with a global network, BNI's support for Indonesian Migrant Workers aligns with the government’s goals of improving financing accessibility,” he said.

As of the end of 2024, BNI had disbursed KUR loans totalling IDR 900 billion to more than 48,000 lenders. Migrant workers in Taiwan were the largest contributors, followed by those in Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

In 2024 alone, BNI disbursed IDR 25 billion in KUR to over 900 lenders, with an interest rate of 6% per annum, in accordance with government regulations.

“KUR disbursement for PMIs is based on government regulations, banking analysis, and related guidelines,” Tumilaar added.

He also emphasized the importance of support from the Ministry of Protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers (KPPMI) to optimize KUR distribution in the future, particularly in positioning KUR as the primary source of pre-departure financing and ensuring clear policies in the destination countries.

In addition to financing, BNI is actively involved in empowering migrant workers through education and training. In February 2024, BNI conducted financial literacy programs for PMIs in Hong Kong and provided scholarships to PMIs at Universitas Terbuka in July 2024.

BNI is also promoting the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through business matching programs for SMEs and the diaspora abroad, in collaboration with Indonesian embassies, consulates, and international partners.

This initiative aims to help SMEs expand into international markets with high-quality products.

“The potential for PMI deployment in the coming years is significant. Therefore, synergy in policy, systems, and implementation is essential to ensure smooth financing for PMIs,” Royke concluded. (DK/ZH)