PT Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) is teaming up with PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) to help achieve the ambitious target of providing 3 million homes annually in Indonesia. This collaboration, which is in line with the initiative introduced by President Prabowo Subianto, seeks to address the country’s pressing housing needs and aims to involve multiple parties, including other financial institutions. According to BTN's CEO, Nixon L.P. Napitupulu, the decision to partner with BRI is primarily driven by the broader reach of BRI’s network across Indonesia, particularly in more remote areas.

The focus of the partnership is to utilize BRI’s extensive network, which is considerably larger than BTN’s, to reach a wider segment of the population. While BTN is a key player in the housing finance market, its regional coverage is not as extensive as that of BRI, which operates in nearly every corner of Indonesia. This collaboration is seen as a strategic move to overcome the logistical and infrastructural challenges involved in implementing a large-scale program. Napitupulu noted that although the partnership with BRI would help expand the reach, it does not necessarily reduce the workload or financial burden for BTN, especially given the sheer scale of the housing target.

The 3 million housing units to be built annually will not all be financed through conventional home ownership schemes like the Kredit Pemilikan Rumah (KPR). Instead, the program will also include other forms of assistance, such as subsidies for essential infrastructure like toilets, showers, and kitchens, where the government will provide funding. This broad approach to housing solutions ensures that the program can accommodate different needs and challenges faced by various communities across the country.

Napitupulu also emphasized that while the collaboration with BRI is a significant step forward, BTN continues to invite other banks to participate in the program. The project’s scale requires the involvement of multiple stakeholders to provide the necessary capital and resources. As part of its strategy to support the program’s funding requirements, BTN is also exploring new funding sources and will introduce a new financing strategy before the end of the year. These efforts are aimed at ensuring the program’s sustainability and achieving the government's housing goals.

In addition to its housing initiatives, BTN is actively managing its liquidity, which Napitupulu assured remains stable. The bank is confident in its ability to secure the necessary funds, with various instruments being considered for future financing. This cautious yet proactive approach underscores the seriousness with which BTN is committed to achieving its objectives under the national housing program.

The partnership with BRI represents a pivotal moment in Indonesia’s housing development efforts. It is clear that BTN and BRI’s collaboration will play a central role in addressing the nation’s growing demand for affordable housing and in achieving the ambitious goal of building 3 million homes each year. This initiative is not just about bricks and mortar but is a vital part of Indonesia's broader economic strategy, with long-term impacts on the nation's growth and development.

BISNIS.COM