Jakarta. State-owned bank BNI has partnered with Bluebird to help the taxi operator carry out digital transformation in its services.

This partnership also shows BNI's support in driving the digital transformation in Indonesia's transformation sector. According to a press release, BNI is helping Bluebird make use of more efficient and integrated technology-based services, namely through the BNIdirect corporate solution. The partnership resulted in a 83 percent year-on-year increase in Bluebird's transaction volume on the BNIdirect platform as of December 2024. BNI's cash management services have also improved the transparency of Bluebird's transactions.

According to Bluebird's president director Adrianto Djokosoetono, such management system has increasingly become more important as people now favor going cashless.

"Not only does it make it easier for passengers to pay, but it also ensures that our drivers receive payments directly on the same day, using the BNI network," Adrianto was quoted as saying in a press statement.

BNI's presence outside Jakarta and its extensive network have also become very helpful for Bluebird drivers, particularly those who wish to send money to their families are outside the city.

Through BNIdirect, the bank provides services such as One Gate Payment API (OGP), cash pooling, inhouse transfers, and interbank payments. This allows the distribution of funds to drivers and receipt of deposits to the head office to run smoothly, optimizing cash flow, and minimizing the risk of late or incorrect payments.

Bluebird can monitor account transfers and manage funds from each taxi pool more transparently.

"This provides better visibility into their financial condition, so that business decisions can be taken more precisely," Hussein Paolo Kartadjoemena, the director of digital and integrated transaction banking at BNI, said.

Last month, BNI even gave Bluebird an award for "The Most Innovative Digital Transaction" at the 2024 BNIdirect Appreciation Night. The award recognized Bluebird's trust in BNI's services and the development of the bank's digital transactions. According to Adrianto, the awarding ceremony had also opened up opportunities to increase the collaboration.

The two companies are planning to expand their collaboration. The possible areas of cooperation include providing investment financing, working capital loans, virtual account (VA) debit solutions for Bluebird partners, and a partnership with Bluebird Group's subsidiaries.

"As an Indonesian brand, we are proud to collaborate with BNI. Bluebird has been a part of Indonesian people's lives for more than 52 years. We believe that local services have the power to create a major positive impact on the nation," Adrianto said.

According to Paolo, BNI remains committed to continuing to support the digital transformation of various sectors in Indonesia, including transportation. By presenting innovative solutions, BNI aims to help companies such as Bluebird in improving operational efficiency, optimizing financial management, and expanding their business networks.