Coinciding with the commemoration of Kartini Day, PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk or BNI affirmed its commitment to encouraging the empowerment of women, including women with disabilities, through the BNI Berbagi program through Rumah BUMN in Bekasi.
BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo said that since its establishment in 2017, BNI Rumah BUMN in Bekasi has become a development platform for more than 400 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This program not only provides training and business assistance, but also serves as real evidence of BNI's presence as an agent of development.
"As a state-owned bank, BNI is committed to always being present in the community, opening up access as widely as possible for all citizens to be involved in the national economy, without distinguishing between gender or physical condition," said Okki in an official statement.
One of the inspiring stories from Rumah BUMN BNI beneficiaries is Paini, a woman with a disability who is now successfully developing the Bumbu Pecel Yuk Ni culinary business. Through the support of production equipment from BNI, Paini was able to significantly increase her production capacity.
"Previously, I could only produce a small amount of pecel sauce. But now, with help from BNI, I can grind at least 10 kilograms of pecel sauce every two days," said Paini.
Moreover, Paini also empowers mothers around her place of residence, most of whom are also the backbone of their families, to be involved in the production process. In fact, some of them are fellow people with disabilities.
"Initially, we had difficulty finding work due to physical limitations. I myself was often rejected on the grounds of my small body and imperfect hands. But through this effort, we can prove that disability is not a barrier to work," she added.
Paini hopes that more people with disabilities will get similar opportunities to be economically independent. He also wants Rumah BUMN to continue to expand its reach of assistance so that more young generations with disabilities can be creative, productive, and live independently in society.
BNI's steps show that economic inclusion is not just jargon, but has been realized in real actions that have a positive impact on society, especially vulnerable groups.