Good news comes from PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk (BSI). BSI has just received the "Special Recognition of Outstanding Initiative" at the Indonesia Awards 2023 event for the company's initiative to develop the village economy in 10 provinces in the country, benefiting 4,095 people. The largest sharia bank initiative in the country in developing the village economy is implemented through the Desa BSI (Bangun Sejahtera Indonesia) program. The Indonesia Awards 2023 event with the theme "Beyond The Limit" is organized by iNewsTV, on Thursday (31/8).

Sales & Distribution Director of BSI, Anton Sukarna, stated that the company is committed to continuously strengthen the economy of villages through the BSI Village Program, by enhancing local resources to improve the welfare of the community. This program is implemented through the utilization of ZISWAF funds. "The implementation of the program focuses on the development of agricultural, livestock, fisheries, and plantation business clusters. We also collaborate with BSI Maslahat and approach it with intensive guidance, both technically and in terms of Islamic preaching," said Anton Sukarna.

"In helping the fostered village, said Anton, BSI implements strategies starting from upstream to downstream aspects. Starting from managing and utilizing ZIS funds for the beneficiaries of the program, business cluster development and coaching program, to financing access and ease of access to the market."

According to BPS data as of March 2023, the current number of poor people in Indonesia reaches 25.90 million or about 9.36%, of which 14.16 million or 56.67% of the poor population are in rural areas. Anton explained that this is what underlies the Desa BSI program.

"In general, there is still potential for local economic resources that can be developed to improve the welfare of the community in the village. Therefore, through our Village BSI program, we aim to focus on commodities that can support food security, including agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, which are mostly found in the village," explained Anton.

Finally, Anton added that BSI will continue to strive to achieve its mission of becoming the best bank that contributes to the economy, environment, and society, by being one of the top 5 banks in Indonesia in terms of sustainable financing ratio and CSR implementation. "We hope that BSI will become a bank that can provide sustainable financial access in Indonesia with products and services that meet the needs of customers and the community," concluded Anton.