A New Era for BRI: Focusing on Enduring Growth

the appointment of Hery Gunardi as President Director marks a meaningful shift for BRI. Gunardi, formerly at the helm of Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI), brings a wealth of experience in navigating the complexities of the Indonesian banking landscape.His track record at BSI, where he oversaw substantial growth and increased market capitalization, positions him as a strong leader to guide BRI forward.

From Islamic Banking Leader to MSME Champion

Gunardi emphasizes the shared mission between his previous role at BSI and his new position at BRI: contributing to Indonesia’s economic progress through the banking sector. While BSI focuses on Islamic finance, BRI is primarily dedicated to supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This focus is crucial, as MSMEs are the backbone of the Indonesian economy, contributing over 60% to the national GDP and employing over 97% of the workforce, according to recent data from the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs.

I will carry this mandate and run and also possible. Hopefully in the future BRI will continue to grow and provide balanced economic and social value as a SOE through sustainable benefits and contributions for the Indonesian economy.
Hery Gunardi, President Director of BRI

Hery Gunardi: A Career Forged in Banking Excellence

Gunardi’s journey in the banking sector is extensive and impressive. Holding a Master of Business Management from Oregon University, his career began at bank Bapindo in 1991. he steadily climbed the ranks, gaining experience in various roles, including problem credit analysis and treasury management.

Key Milestones at Bank Mandiri

His tenure at Bank Mandiri further solidified his reputation as a capable and strategic leader. He held several key positions, including Director of AXA Mandiri Financial Services and various directorial roles focused on micro, retail, and consumer banking. He even served as the representative of the Managing Director and acting Director, demonstrating his versatility and leadership capabilities.

The BSI Success Story: A Blueprint for BRI?

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Gunardi’s appointment is his success in leading the formation and growth of BSI.He spearheaded the merger of three state-owned Islamic banks – PT Bank BRISyariah Tbk,PT Bank Syariah Mandiri,and PT Bank BNI Syariah – to create the largest Islamic bank in Indonesia. Appointed as the first President Director in 2021, he oversaw a period of remarkable growth.

BSI’s Impressive Performance Under Gunardi’s Leadership

Under Gunardi’s guidance, BSI achieved significant milestones:

• Total assets reached Rp408.61 trillion by the end of 2024, a 15.55% year-on-year increase.
• Third-party funds (DPK) grew by 11.46% year-on-year to Rp327 trillion.
• Financing increased by 15.88% year-on-year, reaching Rp278 trillion.
• Net profit soared to Rp7.01 trillion in 2024, a 22.83% year-on-year increase.

This performance surpassed the growth rate of the national banking industry, positioning BSI as the sixth-largest bank in Indonesia in terms of assets and fifth-largest in terms of DPK. Moreover,BSI achieved its target of becoming the 9th largest Islamic bank globally in terms of market capitalization ahead of schedule.

Looking Ahead: BRI’s Trajectory Under New Leadership

With Hery Gunardi at the helm, BRI is poised to leverage his experience and vision to further strengthen its position as a leading financial institution in Indonesia. His focus on sustainable growth, coupled with his proven track record in driving performance, suggests a promising future for BRI and its continued contribution to the Indonesian economy, particularly through its support of msmes.