TOKYO, RAKYAT NEWS – Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), one of Indonesia’s leading state-owned banks, has been honored with the prestigious title of *Best SME Bank in Indonesia* at *The Asian Banker (TAB) Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards 2025*.

The award ceremony, held in Tokyo, Japan, recognized BRI’s consistent efforts and innovative approaches in providing financial solutions tailored to the needs of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.

The accolade highlights BRI’s commitment to empowering MSMEs through inclusive financial services, innovative products, and sustainable growth initiatives. According to *The Asian Banker*, BRI has demonstrated exceptional performance in supporting MSMEs, outperforming its competitors in delivering financial solutions that align with the needs of small businesses.

The bank’s efforts have significantly contributed to the development of a dynamic and competitive MSME ecosystem in Indonesia.

BRI’s achievements are reflected in its impressive financial performance. As of December 2024, the bank disbursed a total of Rp1,354.64 trillion in loans, with MSMEs accounting for 81.97% of the total credit portfolio, amounting to Rp1,110.37 trillion.

Additionally, BRI distributed Rp184.98 trillion in government-backed microcredit programs (KUR) to over 4 million MSMEs, further solidifying its position as a key player in Indonesia’s economic growth.

In a statement, BRI’s President Director, Sunarso, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that the award underscores BRI’s role as a strategic partner for MSMEs nationwide. “This achievement reflects our ongoing efforts to empower MSMEs and strengthen their contribution to the national economy,” Sunarso said.

He added that BRI’s success is rooted in its innovative strategies and commitment to fostering sustainable development in the MSME sector.

One of BRI’s key initiatives is its Ultra Micro Holding (UMi), a collaborative effort with Pegadaian and Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) to provide integrated financial services to grassroots entrepreneurs. Since its establishment in 2021, UMi has expanded its reach through 1,032 service outlets across Indonesia, serving over 183 million savings customers and 35.9 million loan customers. This initiative has significantly enhanced financial inclusion for underserved communities.

Beyond financial services, BRI has also launched various empowerment programs to support MSMEs. These include the *Klasterku Hidupku* program, which has established 38,574 business clusters, and the *Desa BRILiaN* initiative, which has empowered 4,327 villages. These programs aim to improve the quality and competitiveness of MSMEs by fostering collaboration and innovation at the grassroots level.

The *Best SME Bank in Indonesia* award not only recognizes BRI’s past achievements but also reinforces its commitment to innovation and inclusivity in the MSME sector. As Indonesia continues to prioritize economic growth and development, BRI’s efforts are expected to play a pivotal role in driving sustainable progress and creating a more resilient MSME ecosystem.

This recognition further cements BRI’s reputation as a leader in the banking sector, dedicated to supporting Indonesia’s economic aspirations. With its comprehensive financial solutions and empowerment programs, BRI remains at the forefront of efforts to uplift MSMEs and contribute to the nation’s prosperity. (Uki Ruknuddin)

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