State lender PT Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) has committed to returning Rp28 billion in funds to the St. Fransiscus Assisi Church parish in Aek Nabara, Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra. Management expects the full reimbursement to be completed by the conclude of this week.
Resolution of Fraudulent Investment
The decision follows a law enforcement investigation that provided clarity on the total financial loss. BNI Director of Human Capital and Compliance Munadi Herlambang confirmed that the remaining funds are guaranteed to be returned between Monday and Friday.
BNI had previously issued an initial payment of Rp7 billion as a gesture of goodwill. The final resolution will be documented in a legal agreement signed by both parties to ensure accountability and legal certainty.
Internal Failures and Unauthorized Products
The case was first uncovered in February 2026 through BNI’s internal supervision. It was revealed that a bank official, Andi Hakim Febriansyah, abused his position to offer an unauthorized “BNI Deposito Investment” product.
This product promised interest rates as high as 8 percent per year. Whereas, Munadi clarified that the product was not official and was never recorded in BNI’s operational system, as transactions were conducted outside official banking procedures.
BNI has assured the public that all funds held in official bank products remain secure and were not affected by this specific incident.
Regulatory Pressure and Future Safeguards
The Financial Services Authority (OJK) previously summoned BNI’s directors and management to demand an explanation. OJK insisted that the resolution for the customers at the Aek Nabara Branch Office be swift, comprehensive, and transparent.
In response, BNI Director of Network and Retail Funding Rian Eriana Kaslan stated that the bank is strengthening its internal supervision. BNI is also working to enhance public financial literacy to prevent similar occurrences.
Looking ahead, the bank may implement stricter monitoring of branch-level investment offers. It is also likely that BNI will continue to urge the public to remain vigilant against investment offers that do not utilize official banking channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money was involved in the St. Fransiscus Assisi Church case?
The total amount demanded for return was Rp28 billion, which had been deposited at the BNI Aek Nabara branch.
Who was responsible for offering the unauthorized investment?
A bank official named Andi Hakim Febriansyah abused his position to offer the “BNI Deposito Investment” product.
What action did the Financial Services Authority (OJK) take?
OJK summoned BNI’s directors and management, requesting a prompt, transparent, and responsible resolution for the affected customers.
Do you believe increased financial literacy is enough to protect savers from unauthorized bank offers?
