Batam authority to cooperate with BNI on port transactions

Fadli, The Jakarta Post - 2007-02-07 15:54:22

Batam, February 05, 2007 (The Jakarta Post) - The Batam Industrial and Development Authority has announced it will cooperate with Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) to provide banking services based on its electronic data capture (EDC) system.

Port service transactions, which will now be conducted online, in Batam amount to Rp 450 billion (US$48,13 million) each year with an average of 100,000 ships docking in Batam annually.

The merger was marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between BIDA and BNI at the Sumatra Promotion Center in Batam, Riau Islands, on Wednesday.BIDA chairman Mustofa Wijaya said the cooperation was part of the one-roof service program in Batam, declared a special economic zone by the government.

"We wish to facilitate investors' activities in Batam. As an initial step, we will use the E-payment system in order to avoid meetings between officers and businessmen, thus a step to create good governance," said Mustofa.

Mustofa said that BIDA would also pursue the possibility for other sectors to be served by the electronic banking service so as to facilitate foreign and local investors' business ventures in Batam.

"We will not only do this with BNI, but chances are also open for other banks. But, technically, the human resources at BNI are quite ready for the partnership," said Mustofa.<>

"The figure could increase each year, depending on how BIDA draws foreign and domestic investors to do business here. As for BNI, the partnership is very essential, because no other banking service providers have come forth so far. Despite that, we don't wish to monopolize this sector," said Gatot.

Gatot said that besides working with BIDA in handling the online port information management system in Batam, BNI will also collaborate in promoting Batam as an investment destination in Indonesia.

BNI will promote Batam through its five overseas branches in London, Tokyo, Singapore, Hongkong and New York, which can be used as information centers by BIDA to sell its special qualities to potential investors.