Jakarta. State-owned bank BNI is encouraging micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to use artificial intelligence (AI).

BNI recently partnered with Smesco Indonesia, Indonesian Muslim Women Entrepreneurs (WPMI), and AI marketplace MWX to hold AI training for 56 MSMEs. The participants received training on the use of AI technology in business operations, the digitalization of financial transactions, and opportunities for business development into export markets.

According to BNI Commercial Business Director Muhammad Iqbal, the bank remains committed to providing digital solutions that can help make Indonesian MSMEs more adaptive and competitive. To this end, the company has the BNIdirect business service, which helps enterprises manage financial transactions quickly, securely, and efficiently.

"BNI continues to expand its support for MSMEs through digital solutions, access to financing, and integrated coaching programs. We want Indonesian MSMEs to grow sustainably and be competitive, not only in the domestic market but also in the global market," Iqbal was quoted as saying in a press statement.

Iqbal went on to talk of BNI's role in encouraging MSMEs to penetrate the export market through the BNI Xpora platform, which focuses on three main pillars: Go Productive, Go Digital, and Go Global. The program includes education, mentoring, business matching facilitation, and access to international markets.

Smesco Indonesia's Director of Business and Marketing, Rizky Firdaus, said that the partnership with BNI marks a strategic step in expanding MSME educational access.

"BNI's support has allowed MSMEs to gain applicable and relevant insights to their business needs," Rizky said.

WPMI chair Tri Hastuti Anjarsari said that the presentation provided new perspectives for women entrepreneurs to improve the scale and quality of their businesses.

"The use of AI from MWX, export development through BNI Xpora, and the use of BNIdirect business to digitize transactions open up opportunities for women entrepreneurs to advance," Tri said.

MWX representative Tresna Manggala introduced the use of AI technology through the SMEwhiz.ai and FinanceWhiz platforms. This technology helps MSMEs with automated content creation, marketing analysis, transaction recording, and digital financial reporting management, making business operations more efficient and measurable.