UOB Indonesia Expands Semarang Branch Office Network

Semarang, 11 February, 2013 – PT Bank UOB Indonesia is now operating in the hub of the economy and government of the city of Semarang with the opening of a Semarang Branch Office located at the Menara Suara Merdeka Building. The opening of this Semarang branch office aims to provide the widest possible access and banking services for UOB customers and potential customers in Central Java province and its surroundings.

Equipped with various facilities, ranging from a spacious safe deposit box room, comfortable and exclusive privilege lounge, and modern interior rooms, the Semarang Branch Office is expected to create a premium service atmosphere for UOB customers.

President Director of UOB Indonesia Armand B. Arief said that the selection of the location for the Semarang Branch Office also reflected UOB Indonesia's strategic steps to introduce a new face of the Bank among stakeholders and businesses.

“Historically, Semarang has a special place as one of the few port cities in the archipelago that was mentioned in the world navigation map in the 15th century. The presence of UOB, which is supported by a network spread across 19 countries especially in Asia, in the commercial area of the city of Semarang, is expected to support the economic growth of the province of Central Java and its surroundings,” Armand said.

Located in the main commercial area which has wide access and is surrounded by government office buildings, malls, hospitals and hotels, the new Semarang Branch Office is also adjacent to the Central Java Governor's office.

Armand added, "The opening of a Semarang Branch Office is one of UOB Indonesia's efforts in realizing the Bank's vision to become a Premier Bank in Indonesia by 2015, which continues to provide quality products and services to customers." This commitment has received recognition from UOB Indonesia customers as reflected in the growth of the Third Party Funds (DPK) by 19 percent up to the period September 2012 when compared to the same period in September 2011. It is hoped that the addition of the Semarang Branch Office network can contribute 13 percent to the increase in DPK for the Semarang area.

Central Java Governor Bibit Waluyo, who also witnessed the inauguration of the UOBI Branch Office located at Menara Suara Merdeka, Jl. Pandanaran 30, welcomed the opening of the Semarang Branch Office and expressed hopes that the presence of the Bank which is also known to be strong in Southeast Asia can make a positive contribution to business and regional economic development in the city of Semarang and its surroundings.

According to data from the Central Java branch of central bank Bank Indonesia (BI), until the third quarter of 2012, the economy of Central Java province grew by 6.3 percent (year to date). It is estimated that economic growth throughout 2012 will range from 6.0 to 6.3 percent (year on year) or an increase compared to 2011's economic growth which reached 6.0 percent.

The new face of UOB Indonesia is manifested not only through the presence and contribution of the banking business, but also attention and concern for the communities through the Corporate Social Responsibility program. In the series of opening the Semarang Branch Office, UOB Indonesia donated Rp50 million to the Wisma Kasih Bunda Foundation which serves children with special needs, especially those suffering from Hydrocephalus. The donation was delivered directly by President Director of UOB Indonesia Armand B. Aried to the foundation’s founder Anne Avantie.

Summarizing the entire series of the opening of the Semarang Branch Office, a talk show entitled "Entrepreneurial Trends and Economic Prospects in the Year of the Water Snake" will be held on February 20, 2013 for selected business customers and potential customers in Semarang. The event will also introduce a new Privilege Center, provided for priority customers of UOB Indonesia.