Balikpapan, 24 February 2017 – PT Bank Tabungan Pensiunan Nasional Tbk (SMBCI) and the daily newspaper Bisnis Indonesia once again hosted the Entrepreneur Networking Forum. The discussion, under the theme of 2017 Economic Outlook: Potential and Optimism, featured as speakers A. Prasetyantoko, Economist from Atma Jaya Catholic University, and Ongki W. Dana, Deputy President Director of SMBCI. The event was moderated by Hery Trianto, Chief Editor at Bisnis Indonesia.

In his presentation, Prasetyantoko said that the economy in 2017, in general, is likely to be better than it was in 2016. He predicted that the economy will grow by 5.1% this year, up from last year’s growth figure. Inflation will rise slightly on the back of an increase in government-administered prices. These price hikes, he feels, are sure to have an impact both on the fiscal front and the state budget

“Economic growth will continue to be sustained by domestic consumption and improving exports. Investment is expected to begin picking up speed with the completion of various infrastructure projects as well as the implementation of a number of economic policy packages,” Prasetyantoko explained.

Nonetheless, Prasetyantoko also said that he remains wary of various external threats. Examples he cited included the effect of US economic policies under President Donald Trump (Trumponomics), the political situation in Europe, as well as the weakening of the Chinese economy which has created uncertainties.

To address these uncertainties, Prasetyantoko expressed his view of the importance of further deepening of the financial sector (financial deepening), so that any potential future turbulence can be slightly mitigated. To overcome the problem of economic inequality, he continued, access to capital needs to be improved and the informal economy stimulated. “The role of banks is very important in providing access to capital and driving the informal economy,” he emphasized.

In response to Prasetyantoko’s analysis, Deputy President Director of SMBCI Ongki W. Dana described how -  as a bank with a vision of changing the lives of millions of people in Indonesia - SMBCI is committed to serving as a partner in fostering the businesses of all its customers while also taking advantage of any existing economic opportunities. Ongki pointed out that this commitment was evident through the launch of SMBCI Mitra Bisnis, a business unit designed specifically to cater for the various needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by means of reliable financial solutions, opening of greater access to markets, and capacity development for customers.

“SMBCI Mitra Bisnis is a solution aimed at micro-entrepreneurs who see their businesses grow and expand, meaning that they have greater financing needs as well as more complex service and capacity development requirements. SMBCI really understands the needs of small and medium entrepreneurs, especially those who have stepped up from the micro-enterprise level.  Not only do they require reliable financial solutions, but also the opportunity for more extensive market access along with the chance to develop their self-capacities in doing business,” enthused Ongki.

As a sign of its genuine commitment to becoming the best possible partner for its customers, SMBCI Mitra Bisnis offers a wide range of services, including an Overdraft Facility, Demand Loans, Term Loans as well as Supply Chain Financing.

Ongki expressed his hope that, with services that can be tailored to the needs of individual customers, SMBCI Mitra Bisnis will come to serve as a partner that helps to ensure the development and success of SMEs.

Share