Mr. Edwin Syahruzad, President Director of PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero), started his career as an analyst in an international private bank in 1993. Making an impact through business activities has been his main principle as a development banker for the past 33 years. As a development banker working for a developing country like Indonesia, the mandate to be a catalyst for the nation’s development by developing a unique and flexible financing product to fill the gap in development financing that conventional banks cannot fill was critical.

Development bankers are critical in identifying solutions to COVID-19-related problems through new financing schemes. DFIs provided financing to Local Governments through innovative products, as mandated by the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, while adhering to existing laws, regulations, and prudential principles.

In response to these conditions, PT SMI sought to adapt and, in 2022, PT SMI continued the policy implemented since 2020, such as implementing the Work from Home (WFH) policy, accompanied by the implementation of employee shifts for those who were active in the workplace like implementing a strict health protocol. While mandates and programs were built and assigned to overcome the economic situation, Mr. Syahruzad saw great potential in the sub-pillar of public sector financing. He saw that resilience was necessary for DFIs and individuals to be the nation’s solution during difficult times.

Mr. Syahruzad believes that PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero) will continue to improve its ability to carry out its mandate and act as a catalyst for Indonesia’s development. He believes they will play a larger role in assisting the nation’s development and actively participate in assisting the world to achieve sustainable development goals and create a better future.