Jakarta. State-owned lender Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) has received an award from the Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions in recognition of its consistent support for village economic empowerment.

The award was presented during the peak celebration of National Village Day 2026, held in Boyolali, Central Java, on Thursday.

Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Yandri Susanto personally handed the award to BNI Institutional Banking Director Eko Setyo Nugroho, witnessed by thousands of participants. Attendees included village heads from across Central Java, representatives of the Association of Indonesian Villages, and officials from provincial and district-level government institutions.

In his remarks, Yandri underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in driving sustainable village development. He noted that village development cannot be carried out by a single institution, but requires close cooperation between the government, the private sector, and local communities.

“Indonesia has 75,266 villages, and it is impossible for one ministry alone to address all their needs,” Yandri said. “What is required is unity, shared commitment, and collective determination to advance village development.”

BNI received the award for its active role in supporting national village development priorities aligned with the government’s Asta Cita agenda, particularly in strengthening local economies. The bank’s contributions include expanding access to inclusive financing, enhancing financial literacy, and providing ongoing support to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, as well as village-owned enterprises.

Eko said the recognition reinforces BNI’s commitment to continuing its contribution to sustainable village development.

“Going forward, BNI will ensure that village empowerment programs remain a key priority as part of our role in supporting inclusive, equitable, and sustainable national development, while strengthening economic foundations at the village level,” he said.