PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk or BNI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the empowerment of people with disabilities through a number of social programs and business capacity building initiatives. This support was provided in line with International Disability Day, which falls on December 3, as a form of ongoing concern for vulnerable groups.
One of BNI's latest initiatives was providing briquette production machines to the Independent Disabled Community in Banjardowo Market, Genuk Sub-Regency, Semarang City.
BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo said that the assistance was aimed at increasing production capacity and strengthening the sustainability of community businesses that are a source of livelihood for their members.
“This assistance is a form of our commitment to open wider access to economic empowerment for people with disabilities,” Okki said in a written statement.
According to Okki, the community has been producing briquettes on a small scale with limited equipment. This condition is considered to hinder the ability of community members—most of whom live in economic hardship—to develop and increase their family income.
“BNI believes that this community needs support to ensure that its members have the necessary means to develop their businesses and improve their families' welfare,” he added.
This program also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly points 8 and 10, which relate to decent work, economic growth, and reducing inequality.
In addition to supporting the community in Semarang, BNI also contributed to the MSME Disability Program implemented by the Jakarta Plus Center Foundation in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs at the DKI Jakarta Provincial Social Service Training Room.
The program includes business equipment support for 10 disabled MSMEs, marketing facilities at Car Free Day, portable booths, social media management assistance, provision of shop furniture, and the manufacture of disability aids.
“We designed this program so that disabled MSME entrepreneurs have a more structured, inclusive, and sustainable platform for development,” Okki emphasized.
Through this series of initiatives, BNI affirms its consistency in promoting the welfare of people with disabilities through access to economic empowerment, expansion of business opportunities, and creation of a more inclusive MSME ecosystem. These ongoing efforts are expected to strengthen social resilience while promoting economic independence for communities of people with disabilities in various regions.