05/09/2024. PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk or BNI is committed to expanding the reach of its banking services globally. With a focus on markets that have close ties with Indonesia and significant growth potential, the company has launched the BNI Representative Office in Sydney, Australia as well as the first bank representative from Indonesia to open an office in Australia.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pahala Mansury stated that the presence of BNI's representative office in Sydney will facilitate increased trade between Indonesia and Australia.
“Moreover, currently Indonesia and Australia are comprehensive strategic partners, both in trade and investment, especially in strategic sectors,” said Pahala.
Pahala, who also serves as Deputy President Commissioner of BNI, believes that BNI's presence in Sydney will further strengthen economic relations between Indonesia and Australia.
“We thank OJK for playing a role in strengthening relations between Indonesia and Australia, especially in the financial sector. This is also inseparable from the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Investment,” said Pahala.
Meantime, BNI President Director Royke Tumilaar said BNI indeed has an internationalization plan that aims to expand the reach of banking services and strengthen its global presence.
In order to achieve this goal, BNI has established several overseas offices in various strategic countries and will continue to expand to potential countries that are Indonesia's trading partners.
“Today is a historic moment for us, Bank Negara Indonesia, because with the opening of this Representative Office in Sydney, BNI is further strengthening its presence in the international arena,” Royke said at the launch of the BNI Representative Office in Sydney, Australia, Thursday (5/9/2024).
There are several strategic reasons BNI chose Sydney as the new office location for its operations.
First, Sydney is one of the major financial centers in the Asia-Pacific region, hence by operating in Sydney, BNI will be able to strengthen its presence in the international financial market and more easily access a wide range of global finance.
Secondly, Sydney is a business and economic center in Australia that offers many opportunities for business collaboration and investment. In addition, there are many potential business transactions carried out both by Indonesian companies expanding their business in Australia and vice versa.
Third, the Indonesian diaspora community in Sydney is quite strong, with around 42% of the Indonesian diaspora living in Sydney. Thus, BNI's presence allows the company to better serve the banking needs of this community and strengthen relationships with Indonesians in Australia.
The fourth reason is that Australia offers access to a new and different market than BNI has been working on, allowing BNI to more effectively map and explore the region.
“The representative office is expected to be a wider gateway to increase business, economic and business cooperation between Indonesia and Australia, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific region,” Royke said.
As a state-owned bank, Royke disclosed that BNI has a responsibility to not only provide the best banking services for the community, but also play an active role in facilitating trade, investment and economic relations between Indonesia and its global partners.
“With the presence of this representative office in Sydney, we are committed to improving our services to international customers, facilitating trade and investment, and supporting the Indonesian business community in Australia and Australian entrepreneurs who want to do business in Indonesia,” Royke said.
Royke said, the presence of BNI Representative Office in Sydney is not only a symbol of BNI's presence abroad, but also as a tangible proof of BNI's efforts to get closer to customers and business partners in Australia.
“We understand that the business relationship between Indonesia and Australia continues to grow rapidly, and BNI aims to ensure that we are at the forefront of supporting any opportunities and challenges that arise,” he said.
He added, “We also hope that BNI's presence in Sydney can help strengthen the synergy between various parties, be it the government, business actors, and the Indonesian diaspora community in Australia, for mutual progress,” said Royke.
Currently, with the status as a Representative Office, the main activities will include conducting research, such as conducting research on the economy and business in Australia. In addition, the office can also provide business referrals to other overseas offices.
Royke also thanked all parties involved and supporting BNI. “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Minister of SOEs, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, OJK, and the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia for the support that has been given in the process of establishing this office. Thank you also to all those who have worked hard in realizing this project, so that we can stand here today,” he said.
Strengthening Indonesia-Australia Relations
Royke believes that with the launch of this representative office, BNI will be increasingly able to provide the best service, and strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia.
BNI Sydney can help facilitate or provide advisory related to investment between the two countries by providing market information, introducing potential investors, and offering banking solutions that support direct investment in strategic sectors.
BNI Sydney can also serve as an information center for Indonesian and Australian entrepreneurs looking to explore new business opportunities.
By organizing seminars, workshops and networking sessions, BNI can bring together business people from both countries to establish mutually beneficial cooperation. In addition, BNI Sydney can also work with embassies, consulates and other business organizations to support government initiatives to increase bilateral trade and investment.
As of today, BNI has overseas offices in various countries ranging from Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, London, Amsterdam to New York. Each of these overseas offices functions as an extension of BNI's banking services, designed to serve corporate and retail customers, support international trade, and provide access to global financial markets.
These offices play an important role in connecting Indonesian clients with business opportunities available in international markets, while supporting global companies looking to do business in Indonesia.
“With these overseas offices, BNI is committed to becoming a national bank that is able to compete in the global arena, support economic growth, and strengthen business relations between Indonesia and other countries,” concluded Royke. (*)