JAKARTA -- Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir revealed that potential investors want 10-20 percent share ownership in PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk (BSI).

Erick Thohir said the Ministry of BUMN is currently exploring several regions in the Middle East to find potential investors for BSI. However, most investors in the region want large stakes.

"In this roadshow, they want to enter if they can, more than 10 percent, unlike what we offer, only 10-12 percent. If possible, 15-20 percent will be a strategic partner," said Erick at a media meeting in Jakarta, Tuesday (19/ 12/2023).

BSI shares are currently owned by PT Mandiri Tbk at 51.47 percent, PT Bank Negara Indonesia Tbk (BNI) 23.24 percent, and PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia Tbk (BRI) 15.38 percent.

Furthermore, to attract potential investors, BSI is trying to obtain a full license to open a branch in Saudi Arabia. Previously, BSI had obtained a full license for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) region

"BSI has good news, we have a full license in the UAE, I am also lobbying whether or not BSI has a full license in Saudi Arabia. Our target is to enter the top 10 (in the world)," said Erick.

Erick hopes that in the future BSI can become financially healthier so that it can compete in the sharia banking industry. Apart from that, the Ministry of BUMN has also agreed to make Indonesia an open market for foreign, private and BUMN investors.

BSI will operate a new branch office in Saudi Arabia in 2024 as the company's step towards becoming a global sharia bank. The process of opening a new branch office in Saudi Arabia is currently continuing through BSI communication with the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA).

When BSI's new branch office in Saudi Arabia operates, a total of two branch offices will operate abroad. Currently BSI has a branch office operating in Dubai.

Since August 2023, BSI has received a license or mandate from the authorities in Dubai to operate fully after operating for more than two years.