BNU's opportunities are wide open, as public awareness of the importance of financial services that comply with Sharia principles increases. This is BNU's main asset to attract customers from Nahdliyin and the general public.
However, to succeed in a competitive market, BNU needs to develop a well-thought-out strategy. One important step is to build public trust by prioritizing the principles of transparency and professionalism.
BNU also needs to focus on developing innovative products and services that meet customer needs. For example, financing products for micro and small businesses (UMK), which are the backbone of the Indonesian economy.
In addition, BNU can utilize digital technology to improve the efficiency and reach of its services. Digital banking services will make it easier for customers to transact and access financial information.
One of the added values that BNU can offer is its close relationship with the Nahdliyin community. With a wide network that extends to remote villages, BNU can reach people who are not served by other banks.
BNU can also play an active role in empowering the people's economy by providing training and mentoring to UMK actors. This will strengthen the community's economic base and increase customer loyalty.
On October 24, 2020, Bank Nahdlatul Ulama (BNU) Sharia 26 was inaugurated at the PCNU Mungkid Building in Magelang Regency. This inauguration marked the beginning of BNU's efforts to expand the reach of its Sharia banking services.
The President Director of BNU Sharia Magelang Regency, Sutopo Budi Santoso, explained that the bank's business license was originally in the name of BPRS Meru Sankara, but it was acquired by PCNU to become BPRS Meru Nusantara Mandiri.
"The basis for this launching is a letter from the Financial Services Authority (OJK) which was issued on October 14, 2020. And this time we are also launching a new company logo to revitalize and improve the company's brand image," said Sutopo Budi Santoso.
As of September 2020, the bank had assets of Rp19.6 billion, public funds of Rp16.4 billion, and financing disbursements of Rp14.7 billion.
"Thus, the bank was able to grow significantly with asset growth of Rp5 billion, DPK of Rp6.2 billion, and a financing portfolio of Rp5.2 billion, compared to the position at the end of 2019," explained Sutopo Budi Santoso.
Sutopo Budi Santoso also asked for support from Nahdliyin residents to utilize BNU Sharia's services, which are managed professionally, trustworthy, and accountable.
"Hopefully, BNU Sharia will grow bigger in the future, and always have a commitment to progress. Because we have a target of 5 years ahead for BNU assets to reach Rp100 billion. With the permission of Allah SWT and the support prayers of all BNU Sharia stakeholders, we are optimistic that we can achieve it," he said.
The Chairperson of PCNU Magelang Regency, Achmad Izzuddin, Lc, said that the existence of BNU Sharia will support PCNU's mandate to realize organizational revitalization, NU resident data collection, and NU independence.
"If these three NU mandates are realized and successful, then PCNU Magelang Regency will progress. And for the data collection of NU residents in Magelang Regency, there are already 89 thousand people. While the NU Coin Box has 58 thousand spread across Magelang Regency," explained Achmad Izzuddin.
The inauguration event was attended by a number of important figures, including Rois Syuriah PWNU Central Java, Deputy Chairperson of Tadfidizah PWNU Central Java, and Chairperson of the DPS Bank Permata Syariah.
BNU's presence in the Indonesian banking market is expected to make a positive contribution to the development of the Sharia economy and community empowerment.
