Bank Sumsel Babel 69th Anniversary

Bank Sumsel Babel (BSB) marks its 69th anniversary with an ambitious goal: to become the best Regional Development Bank (BPD) in Indonesia within the next five years. Amidst intense competition in the banking industry and the fiscal challenges faced by local governments, BSB has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its business, accelerating digital transformation, and increasing its contribution to regional development.  President Director of Bank Sumsel Babel, Muhammad Suryadi, noted that BSB’s 69-year journey has been marked by various challenges—from the 1998 economic crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. However, the steadfast support of shareholders, regulators, stakeholders, employees, and the entire BSB extended family has served as the driving force that has enabled the regional bank to endure and thrive.

According to Suryadi, successfully navigating these challenges has provided a vital foundation for BSB to continue its transformation and bolster its competitiveness.  "Thank God, BSB has managed to endure and continue growing. This is certainly thanks to the support of all our shareholders, regulators, stakeholders, as well as every employee and the entire Bank Sumsel Babel family," he stated during his remarks at the bank’s 69th-anniversary celebration held in the lobby of the BSB Jakabaring office on Friday (November 6).  Suryadi explained that BSB’s business performance over the last five years has shown significant growth. Third-party funds (DPK) have risen from IDR 25.1 trillion in 2021 to approximately IDR 31 trillion in 2026, while credit disbursement has increased from IDR 18.9 trillion to IDR 25.37 trillion.  Meanwhile, the bank’s capital has grown from approximately IDR 4 trillion to IDR 5.1 trillion. This growth, he noted, is in line with the average development of the banking industry in South Sumatra.

Nevertheless, BSB does not intend to rest on these achievements. Currently, BSB ranks seventh among the top 10 regional development banks (BPD) nationwide. This position serves as a foundation for pursuing the goal of becoming the best regional development bank (BPD) in Indonesia within the next five years.  To achieve this target, the bank is implementing a transformation across four key areas: strengthening human resources and work culture, transforming the business, creating a more effective and streamlined organizational structure, and advancing digitalization. Digital Transformation and the 2027 Super App Digital transformation stands as a core agenda. BSB launched its "New BSB Mobile" app to coincide with its 69th anniversary.  "We have launched this internally, and it will continue to be developed," he added.  Furthermore, the regional bank aims to develop a "Super App" by 2027 to expand its service offerings and enhance the customer experience.

"God willing, by 2027, we will augment our digital banking capabilities with a Super App, ensuring we remain competitive alongside major national banks," he stated.  In addition to digitalization, BSB is preparing to launch a co-branded credit card in partnership with a major bank from the Himbara (Association of State-Owned Banks) group. This product is expected to broaden transaction services for BSB customers nationwide, including providing access to executive lounges.  Suryadi also emphasized the importance of integrity throughout the transformation process. He noted that skills and competence hold little value without strong character and integrity.  "Competence without character and integrity is worth zero. But when character and integrity are present, competence acts as a multiplier," he asserted.  President Commissioner Emphasizes Sustainability and Prudence The President Commissioner of Bank Sumsel Babel, Dr. Edward Chandra, SH, MH, stressed that the bank’s 69th anniversary should serve as a catalyst for strengthening business sustainability while increasing tangible contributions to the region.

He cautioned that a bank’s growth should not be measured solely by increases in assets or profit. Risk management—particularly regarding credit, operations, and compliance—must remain a primary focus.  According to Edward, growth pursued without adhering to the principle of prudence risks creating problems down the line. Therefore, management must ensure that every business expansion is backed by careful calculation.  Furthermore, Edward urged BSB to continuously pursue change and innovation. The banking industry evolves rapidly, meaning regional banks cannot afford to become complacent with their existing achievements.  “We must not grow comfortable with the current situation. Change and innovation must be ongoing; otherwise, we will fall behind,” he stated.

He also highlighted the increasingly challenging fiscal conditions faced by local governments. According to him, budgetary constraints have impacted the ability of several local governments to meet their expenditure requirements—with some even struggling to pay the salaries of village officials.  “BSB should not merely function as a business-oriented banking institution; it must also be capable of providing solutions for regional development needs,” he remarked.  He called on the board of directors and management to take a more proactive approach in engaging with regency and municipal governments to identify potential areas for collaboration, including financing opportunities that could help address their fiscal needs.