State-owned lender PT Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) business support initiatives and inclusive Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) development programs to empower persons with disabilities, in line with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemorated annually on December 3.

One of the bank’s most recent initiatives includes the provision of a briquette production machine for the Komunitas Difabel Mandiri (Independent Diffable Community) at Banjardowo Market, Genuk District, Semarang, Central Java, an effort aimed at improving production capacity and enhancing the sustainability of the community’s income generating activities.

BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo said the assistance is part of the bank’s ongoing efforts to expand economic empowerment opportunities for vulnerable groups.

“This support reflects our commitment to broadening access to economic empowerment for persons with disabilities,” Okki said as quoted in a statement on Friday, December 5, 2025.

He noted that the community had previously produced briquettes on a small scale using limited equipment, hindering the members many of whom face economic hardship from scaling their business and increasing household income.

“BNI believes this community deserves proper tools to expand their business and improve their families’ welfare,” he added.

The initiative is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), supporting efforts to create more equitable economic opportunities.

Beyond Semarang, BNI is also participating in the Disability MSME Program organized by Yayasan Jakarta Plus Center in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs.

The program, held at the Jakarta Provincial Social Agency’s training facility, provides business equipment to 10 disability-led MSMEs, marketing support at Car Free Day events, portable booths, social media management guidance, store furniture, and specially designed mobility aids.

“We designed this program to ensure disability-led MSMEs have a more structured, inclusive, and sustainable platform for business development,” Okki emphasized.

Through these initiatives, BNI reiterates its determination to improve the welfare of persons with disabilities by expanding access to economic resources, opening wider business opportunities, and building a more inclusive MSME ecosystem.