BRILink agents are an integral part of realizing the BRIvolution 2.0 strategy
Surabaya, E Java (ANTARA) - State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Minister Erick Thohir has voiced support for efforts by state-run PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) to achieve financial inclusion by increasing the number of BRILink agents.

The bank is planning to increase the total number of BRILink agents --individual agents hired for its branchless banking service called BRILink-- from 500 thousand to 600 thousand by the end of 2022.

Through the move, the bank aims to support the efforts of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) to achieve 90-percent financial inclusion, the minister noted at the BriLink Agent Association gathering at Pemuda Hall, Surabaya city, East Java province, on Saturday.

"In addition, BRI is also targeting an increase of Rp70 trillion (US$4.77 billion) in micro loan (KUR) --from Rp190 trillion (US$12.96 billion) to Rp260 trillion (US$17.73 billion)," he informed.

He asked BRILink agents to become drivers of Indonesia's economic strength and micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) development.

"Hence, all of the BRILink agents must keep learning to be digital and technology savvy. They also have to be open to changes," Thohir emphasized.

BRILink agents recorded a positive performance in April 2022, with the sales volume reaching Rp433.75 trillion (US$29.59 billion)—an increase of 40.04 percent compared to a sales volume of Rp309.73 trillion (US$21.13 billion) the previous month.

As of April 2022, the number of BRILink agents across Indonesia has reached 552,709.

Director of small and medium business at BRI, Amam Sukriyanto, said that BRILink agents have assisted in the provision of public banking services, especially in remote areas.

BRILink agents have contributed to the sharing economy system for the community, in line with BRI's vision to become a "Champion of Financial Inclusion” as well as to develop an ultra-micro business ecosystem.

“BRILink agents are an integral part of realizing the BRIvolution 2.0 strategy. Hence, improvement of the role and governance of BRILink agents becomes our focus to improve our quality in serving the community and providing benefits for them,” he added.

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Translator: Malik Ibrahim, Uyu Liman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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