BNI Strengthens Its Commitment as an Agent of Development by Partnering with Batumbu to Enhance MSME Financing Access

JAKARTA, 22 NOVEMBER 2024 – PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BNI) continues to expand its financing footprint to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through a strategic collaboration with PT Berdayakan Usaha Indonesia (Batumbu), a leading
Information Technology-Based Lending Service Provider (fintech lending). This partnership underscores BNI’s commitment as an Agent of Development to broaden access to productive financing for MSMEs embedded within supply chain ecosystems. As part of this collaboration, BNI will extend a loan channelling facility of IDR 1.2 trillion to Batumbu, which will, in turn, distribute the funds to its MSME partners through a supply chain financing model.

The partnership was formally established through the signing of a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) between I Nyoman Astiawan, General Manager of Retail Productive Banking at BNI, and Reza Perazi Armadi, President Director of Batumbu, in a ceremony held at BNI Tower, Jakarta, on Friday (November 22, 2024). Speaking at the event, BNI’s Director of Retail Banking, Corina Leyla Karnalies, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration in empowering MSMEs, which form a critical pillar of Indonesia’s economy.

“In this era of digital transformation, technology has become a pivotal enabler for the advancement of the financial sector. Fintech lending presents innovative, efficient, and inclusive financing solutions tailored for MSMEs. At BNI, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fulfilling our role as an Agent of Development by driving innovation and leveraging digitalization to simplify and enhance credit access for MSMEs,” Corina remarked.

Reza Perazi Armadi, President Director of Batumbu, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting its alignment with Batumbu’s vision and mission to empower MSMEs across Indonesia, supported by Validus Investment Holdings Pte Ltd.

Since its inception in 2018, Batumbu has successfully disbursed IDR 45.1 trillion in financing as of October 2024. Notably, the company has consistently delivered positive financial performance, achieving sustained profitability with a positive monthly EBITDA since 2022.

This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone in leveraging technology to optimise productive financing processes, enabling MSMEs to scale their operations and contribute meaningfully to Indonesia’s economic growth. The collaboration between BNI and Batumbu represents a shared commitment to fostering inclusive financial access for MSMEs, the backbone of Indonesia’s economy.

“This partnership unlocks opportunities for us to deliver fast, tailored financing solutions to small and medium enterprises, many of whom remain underserved by traditional banking services,” Reza stated. Through this partnership, BNI and Batumbu reaffirm their dedication to building a robust and inclusive financial ecosystem, empowering MSMEs, and enhancing Indonesia’s economic resilience.

Recognizing the MSME sector’s vital role—contributing approximately 61% to Indonesia’s GDP and employing 97% of the national workforce—BNI places strategic emphasis on supporting MSME development. By undertaking initiatives such as this collaboration with Batumbu, BNI aims to deliver transformative solutions that empower MSMEs to thrive on the global stage and secure a
competitive edge for the future.