"We also want that in the next five years, Bank Syariah Indonesia can become Indonesia's footprint in various countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates so that we also have Islamic banks globally (with a global presence)," he remarked during the inauguration of PT Krakatau Steel (Persero) Tbk's new steel factory, accessed online from here on Tuesday.
Thohir said that Bank Syariah Indonesia has been formed from the merger of three Himbara banks—Bank Rakyat Indonesia Syariah, Bank Mandiri Syariah, and Bank BNI Syariah.
"Thank God, under the leadership of President Joko Widodo, Indonesia has an Islamic bank that is in the top 10 of banks in Indonesia," he added.
As per reports, the growth of Islamic funding is currently better than conventional banks, he noted.
Related news: BSI launches first digital branch in Jakarta
"This also convinces how BSI can also be useful as an alternative to Islamic finance for Indonesian people in need," the minister stressed.
PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk (BSI) has also been adjudged the best bank in the Islamic banking sector in the 2021 Bisnis Indonesia Award, Thohir said.
BSI President Director Hery Gunardi said the award was a form of appreciation for the performance and hard work of all BSI employees in providing the best service to the people.
He said he expected the award to push BSI to provide the best, in accordance with sharia principles, through products, services, and digital innovation in the future, especially since BSI is aiming to become one of the 10 largest Islamic banks in the world in terms of market capitalization in the next five years.
Related news: Bank Syariah Indonesia should become more competitive: VP
Translator: Aji Cakti, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
