The initial step of this synergy began with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between BNI vice president director Adi Sulistyowati and Bank Sumut president director Rahmat Fadilah Pohan at BNI Tower in Pejompongan, Jakarta, on Wednesday.

Within the MoU are several agreements. The first is the joint utilization of products, services and capabilities. Second are the co-branding cooperation agreement (PKS), top up and Tapcash balance update. Third is a cooperation agreement for increasing the capability of Bank Sumut employees. The last is a cooperation agreement for the utilization of banking services (ATM, QRIS, EDC, Biller).

Through the Orange Synergy collaboration project, Bank Sumut and BNI are committed to building strategic collaboration as outlined in various banking service development initiatives that benefit both parties and stakeholders.

With this collaboration, Bank Sumut can expand the diversification of banking products and services. BNI can also expand services related to taxpaying and regional retribution in North Sumatra through ATM channels, mobile banking, agencies and BNI outlets. The program is expected to make a positive contribution to both BNI and Bank Sumut’s business growth.

Adi “Susi” Sulistyowati said the company was welcoming opportunities for cooperation and the integration of services so they can be utilized to provide comprehensive banking solutions for Bank Sumut customers.

“Of course, we welcome this collaboration. This is in line BNI’s Go Productive Spirit, as it plays a proactive role in accelerating the national economic recovery through various collaborations. We also hope that Bank Sumut can now provide maximum services to customers,” she said.

Meanwhile, potential synergies that can be created in the future are channel collaborations, including the utilization of BNI ATM channels, including those located abroad, the joint use of acquired channels, such as using BNI's supply chain financing (FSCM) platform, as well as cooperation in agency business.

BNI can also develop joint projects on local government credit card products for the regional government, corporate cards for Bank Sumut employees, BNI Visa or Mastercard credit card co-branding for personal and corporate customers of Bank Sumut, sales of investment products, insurance, car ownership programs and management of pension funds or severance pay for Bank Sumut employees.

There will also be opportunities for service collaboration in terms of API-based billers, the use of BNI remittance services and trade finance by Bank Sumut customers, regional revenue payment services facilities in North Sumatra, jointly provided solutions for the local administration, as well as the utilization of BNI’s capabilities and products including People's Business Credit (KUR) and BNI Xpora.

Finally, the cooperation will increase the capability of Bank Sumut through training and curriculum development to increase employees’ capabilities in sales, treasury work, international banking, information technology, as well as operational cooperation related to reconciliation and call centers. Of course, there will also be assistance in developing the system governance of human resources and human resource information systems (HRIS).

"There are many opportunities for cooperation between BNI and Bank Sumut. We will also explore other similar ventures with other regional banks,” Susi said.

Susi added that BNI had optimal capabilities in developing digital services-based Smart Cities. This collaboration could help regional governments provide optimal public services in the digital era.

One of the Smart City initiatives developed by BNI is building a Smart Government, which will enable integrated financial management support, so that local tax revenues can be maximized. In addition, Smart City BNI has also developed other services, including Smart Health Care, Smart Farming, Smart Education, Smart Ecosystem for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Smart Tourism.

"In that way we can improve community welfare and regional economic growth. Everything is measurable and easy, starting from receiving tax services, paying for water, vehicle registration, to temporary vehicle ownership documents (BPKB)," said Susie.

During the signing, Rahmat said BNI was a government-owned bank that ranked fourth largest in terms of national assets. BNI is supported by ATM networks, digital channels (internet and mobile banking), as well as branch offices at home and abroad.

As one of the pioneers of digital banking, BNI has digital service capabilities supported by a complete range of API-based products.

Rahmat added that along with the massive development of digitalization in various industries, including financial services, as the largest regional bank in Sumatra and outside Java, Bank Sumut had launched a digital transformation that had been its focus since 2020. It was aiming to compete with various banking service features and expand service coverage.

To accelerate Bank Sumut’s digitalization, appropriate steps are needed to collaborate with other industry players, such as fintech firms, e-commerce companies, as well as fellow banks.

"We certainly appreciate BNI for opening opportunities for collaborations with us. Of course this will become a new value proposition for us and will benefit our customers,” he added.

For Bank Sumut, this collaboration will strengthen digital capabilities, add new services and products and strengthen Bank Sumut’s business development. Of course, there is also the potential for increased income, as well as more affordable investment opportunities.

For Bank Sumut customers, this collaboration will provide a variety of new service options, better services, more competitive fees, as well as broader and more convenient transaction channels.

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