At the BRI Microfinance Outlook 2025 event, PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BBRI) reaffirmed its dedication to advancing and empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as quoted from cnbcindonesia.com. CEO Sunarso emphasized, "BRI focuses on the MSME business and consistently fosters their growth." This commitment is evident in the distribution of MSME loans totaling Rp1,106 trillion, accounting for 82% of BRI's total lending.

The bank has integrated ultra-micro services through Ultra-Micro Holding, expanding its reach to 50 million customers, including 36 million ultra-micro clients. Additionally, BRI has strengthened assistance and education initiatives, encouraging MSMEs to save, resulting in 180 million MSME savings accounts.

Sunarso reported that BRI has significantly contributed to state revenue through taxes and dividends, totaling Rp908.4 trillion over the past three years. Recently, BRI distributed an interim dividend of Rp20.33 trillion, with the state receiving Rp10.88 trillion and public shareholders Rp9.45 trillion. "This is just the down payment; the full settlement is forthcoming," he remarked.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto commended BRI's initiatives in supporting MSMEs, aligning with President Prabowo Subianto's Asta Cita. "I appreciate BRI's initiative involving 1,000 MSMEs, as it aligns with President Prabowo's Asta Cita to create jobs and boost exports," Airlangga stated. He highlighted the importance of supporting MSMEs, noting they contribute 60% of GDP and 97% of employment, necessitating ongoing assistance.

Airlangga also acknowledged BRI's extensive network, with over 1 million BRILink agents. He emphasized the need for BRI to address the development of a bullion bank, suggesting that MSME deposits could transition to gold deposits, providing hedging benefits, especially for exports.

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani expressed admiration for BRI's efforts to enhance MSME welfare nationwide, aligning with government initiatives to boost village economies. "The government allocates over Rp70 trillion for 75,000 villages. With BRILink agents in 4,300 villages, I hope this triples next year," she said. Sri Mulyani urged BRI to avoid monopolistic practices while maintaining support for MSMEs, appreciating the bank's role in fostering inclusive and quality economic growth.

In summary, BRI's unwavering focus on MSME development, supported by government endorsements, underscores its pivotal role in strengthening Indonesia's people's economy.

PHOTO: BRI

This article was created with AI assistance.