PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, or BNI, is strengthening the implementation of a circular economy while promoting financial inclusion through the BNI Agen46 Waste Bank Program. Running since 2017, this program allows people to manage inorganic waste and convert it into savings through a digital banking system.
BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo said the initiative was designed to provide concrete solutions to the waste problem while opening up access to formal financial services for the public.
"Waste piles can have negative impact on both health and the environment. The BNI Agen46 Waste Bank Program provides a mechanism for the public to contribute to environmental protection while also benefiting economically," Okki said in a written statement.
This program encourages the public to sort and deposit inorganic waste of economic worth, such as plastic bottles, cardboard, metal, and even used cooking oil. The weighed waste is then converted into a savings balance in the customer's BNI account.
The conversion process is carried out in real time through the BNI Agen46 system using an Electronic Data Capture (EDC) machine. Once recorded as a savings account balance, the collected waste is purchased by collection partners for further recycling and reprocessing.
This program is considered not only to help reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills (TPA) but also to create new economic value for local communities. Furthermore, the Agen46 Waste Bank program has expanded the reach of BNI's financial services, particularly for communities that previously lacked access to formal banking.
"With the BNI Agen46 Waste Bank, waste can become savings, and the environment becomes cleaner and more comfortable. This program demonstrates BNI's commitment to supporting sustainability and empowering the community's economy," added Okki.
BNI emphasized that strengthening this program aligns with the spirit of National Waste Awareness Day, which is commemorated every February 21. Through the integration of the circular economy and digital financial services, BNI hopes to further encourage the public to manage waste responsibly while simultaneously improving well-being through more inclusive and sustainable financial access.