Jakarta (ANTARA) – The State-Owned Banks Association (Himbara) affirmed its commitment to supporting various programs launched by the government to help the community and accelerate recovery of the national economy battered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The various programs comprise credit restructuring, distribution of social assistance (bansos), disbursement of wage subsidies (BSU) for workers, presidential assistance for Micro Enterprises (BPUM), and distribution of National Economic Recovery (PEN) funds.

Chairman of Himbara, concurrently president director of PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) Tbk, Sunarso noted in a statement in Jakarta on Friday that all government policies and stimulus, including social assistance, had a positive impact on the Indonesian economy. This is reflected in the economic growth recorded at 7.07 percent (yoy) in the second quarter of 2021.

“Hence, we are committed to continuing to support various government programs in order to sustain the momentum of Indonesia’s economic growth,” Sunarso affirmed.

The various incentives and government assistance have boosted Himbara’s optimism to continue to record positive performance in the second semester of 2021.

Until the end of the second quarter of 2021, Himbara had reportedly disbursed loans worth Rp2,552.91 trillion, or a 5.4-percent (yoy) growth, with third-party funds of Rp2,948.78 trillion, or grew 8.7 percent (yoy). Meanwhile Himbara’s assets were recorded at Rp3,904.30 trillion, or grew by 7.7 percent (yoy).

Until the end of July 2021, Himbara has distributed assistance of Rp37.8 trillion for government programs, including to over 24.9 million beneficiaries comprising Rp15.2 trillion for the basic food programs for 8.9 million Beneficiary Families (KPM), Rp17.2 trillion for the Family Hope Program (PKH) to 10.4 million recipients, and Rp11.6 trillion for presidential assistance for Micro Enterprises (BPUM) for 9.6 million SMEs.

Sunarso explained that especially for BRI, his side will continue to encourage various forms of assistance to restore MSMEs, which are BRI’s main business. He also stressed the importance of synergy and cooperation between parties, so that economic conditions continue to improve.

Until the end of July 2021, BRI had reportedly distributed Rp3.1 trillion for basic food programs to 5.5 million recipients, Rp6.2 trillion for PKH to 3.8 million Beneficiary Families (KPM), and presidential assistance for Micro Enterprises (BPUM) worth Rp11.62 trillion to 7.5 million MSMEs.

“Efforts to encourage MSMEs to continue to develop and survive in the midst of difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic must be made by relying on synergy between parties. The distribution of three types of stimuli from the government so far — government spending, government investment and government guarantees — have actually been sufficient to help drive the economy and support MSME actors,” Sunarso stated.

To streamline the distribution of social assistance services, Himbara constantly evaluates the distribution process to those entitled to it, starting from coordination with the Ministry of Social Affairs and social services in local districts and cities.

Source: ANTARA News