BRI's Real Efforts to Support Food Security in the New Normal Era

BANDAR LAMPUNG,Indonesia,June 15,2020 -- PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk continues to show its commitment in supporting food security in Indonesia by holding a "Food Security Dialogue" at Bangun Rejo Village Hall,Central Lampung,Thursday (11/6). Bank BRI Managing Director Sunarso and Deputy Governor of Lampung Province Hj. Chusnunia Chalim attended the event.

Bank BRI President Director Sunarso (middle) handed over IDR 1.6 billion support from Bank BRI Baitul Mal Foundation (YBM) to 31 farmer groups participating in the People's Business Skills Improvement Program (PKUR) witnessed by Lampung Deputy Governor Hj. Chusnunia Chalim (left) as part of the Food Security Dialogue event with MSMEs at the Bangun Rejo Village Hall,Thursday (11/06).

Sunarso stated that during this pandemic,food strengthening was very crucial and BRI as a bank that had a focus on empowering MSMEs was committed to supporting government programs in this regard. "As a matter of fact,BRI is one of the Micro Credit Program (Kredit Usaha Rakyat/KUR) channelling banks,which until the end of May the composition of KUR distribution of BRI in the agricultural sector has reached more than 30% and for the micro KUR production sector has exceeded 60%," he added.

On that occasion Sunarso symbolically handed over KUR credit of IDR 50 million to two representative participants. In addition,IDR 1,6 billion support from Baitul Mal BRI Foundation (YBM BRI) was also symbolically handed over to 31 farmer groups participating in People's Business Skills Improvement Program (PKUR) engaged in horticultural agriculture.

"This pandemic puts tremendous pressure on MSMEs,including farmers. Therefore,in addition to continuing to channel KUR and providing relaxation of affected customer credit,through various programs Bank BRI continues to strive so that MSMEs can survive and be adaptive in welcoming the New Normal era," said Sunarso.

After dialogue with the community,the group visited the rice mill owned by BRI customers as well as BRILink Agents who were equipped with EDC. Then the group moved down to the fields to talk directly with the farmers. Responding to the request of a farmer whose agriculture was affected during the dry season,Sunarso provided CSR in the form of water pump procurement to support the environment.

Nationally,BRI has succeeded in distributing KUR worth more than IDR 47.4 trillion to more than 1.7 million MSME or equal to 39.35% of the target set by the Government. "Facing the current challenging conditions,BRI is still optimistic that by the end of the year the company can achieve the target set by the government," explained Sunarso.

BRI continues to encourage national KUR to grow healthy by conducting selective growth in several production sectors that continue to struggle,such as agriculture and health. In addition,BRI has also carried out loan digitalization so that even during appeals for the implementation of health protocols and physical distancing,BRI marketers can continue their activities safely.

"Currently we are preparing a new credit scheme for SMEs with the aim that after this pandemic has passed,they can immediately get back up and be able to drive the wheels of the national economy again," concluded Sunarso.

Information about BANK BRI can be accessed through the website www.bri.co.id

Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20200615/2830657-1?lang=0