BSI finalizes operational plans for Saudi Arabia branch to serve pilgrims

PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk (BSI) is intensifying its operational readiness for a new overseas branch in Saudi Arabia. This strategic move is designed to enhance services for Indonesian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and to broaden the reach of Islamic financial services connecting Indonesia with the Kingdom. Wisnu Sunandar, Corporate Secretary of BSI, stated that the bank is currently focused on refining all aspects of operational preparedness, including service enhancement, infrastructure development, and compliance with Saudi Arabian regulations. "We continue to perfect all aspects of operational readiness as part of the process of opening BSI services in Saudi Arabia," Wisnu said in a written statement. He emphasized Saudi Arabia's strategic importance as the global hub for the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem. BSI anticipates its presence there will offer more accessible and integrated services for Indonesians, from initial travel preparations to their time in the holy land. "Saudi Arabia is the center of the world's Hajj and Umrah ecosystem and holds strategic significance for BSI. Our presence there is a manifestation of our commitment to accompanying the Indonesian people more closely by providing Islamic financial services that support the entire pilgrimage journey, from the preparation stage in Indonesia to activities in the holy land," Wisnu explained. BSI secured initial approval from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) in 2024 to establish the overseas branch and is now proceeding with preparations to commence operations in line with local regulatory guidelines. Sunandar added that strengthening BSI's presence in Saudi Arabia extends beyond international business expansion; it also aims to bolster the Islamic finance ecosystem linking Indonesia with the global Muslim community's pilgrimage activities. BSI believes its Saudi branch will support Indonesia's ambition to become a major player in the global Islamic economy. Furthermore, the services are expected to meet the comprehensive needs of customers, particularly Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and the Indonesian diaspora. BSI data indicates that approximately 203,000 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims depart annually, with about 170,000 (83%) being BSI customers. In the Umrah segment, data from the Integrated Computerized System for Umrah and Hajj Special Management (Siskopatuh) for 2025 shows 1.6 million Indonesians performed Umrah, with 84% utilizing BSI services. This high uptake reflects strong public trust in BSI's Islamic financial services and reinforces the bank's position within the national Hajj and Umrah finance ecosystem.

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We continue to perfect all aspects of operational readiness as part of the process of opening BSI services in Saudi Arabia.