Jakarta, Saturday (7/1/2023) -- PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. or BNI is committed to strengthening the economic stability of the community during economic acceleration. Through the MSME Service for Gunungsitoli Program.
BNI participated in the MSME Bazaar and Cheap Market for the People held at Gunungsitoli City Park, Nias, North Sumatra, Saturday (7/1/2023). In the event, BNI collaborated with other SOEs such as PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk., Bulog Public Company (Perum Bulog), and PT Permodalan Nasional Madani to organize the MSME Service for Gunungsitoli program.
Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir, who visited in person, invited the community to start realizing the economic potential of the region.
Moreover, a strong regional economy is the foundation for the national economy to fight the challenges of global economic turmoil.
"I am quite happy that Nias has 3 good economic potentials which are coconut industry, marine and fisheries, and tourism. So, we should not think too much further. Just focus on what is available, namely building the domestic economy by developing the region," he added.
In his statement, BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo disclosed that as a state-owned bank BNI is committed to being proactive in supporting the realization of a sustainable economy through Environmental Social Responsibility programs (TJSL).
According to him, 2023 is a year of economic acceleration so that there is a lot of economic potential in the community that can improve performance more positively.
"This program was initiated by the Ministry of SOEs through a collaboration of TJSL programs among SOEs. We hope this program can continue so that it becomes an encouragement for the community," he said.
Some of the programs are cheap markets facilitated by BNI, BRI, PNM, and Bulog. Another program is the MSME Festival facilitated by BNI & BRI, while the medical equipment assistance program is channelled by the BUMN Foundation.
In the cheap market program, 3,000 food packages were distributed, 2,000 packages to the public, 500 for PNM Mekaar customers, and 500 for the church community. The contents of the food packages were premium rice, sugar, and cooking oil.
"The community can redeem the groceries with a coupon exchange system for Rp 20,000 paid by the community, while the price difference of Rp 80,000 is subsidized by MSMEs," concluded Okki.