BRI Customers Lose Money, YLKI: Proof of Weak Banking IT System

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chief Executive of the Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) Tulus Abadi stated that the information technology (IT) system of Indonesian banking is still weak and so easily broken. It was revealed following the case of the money loss of a number of customers in the account of Bank Rakyat Indonesia or BRI in Kediri recently.

"Cases like these prove that our banking system is weak, which is very dangerous to our banking and also the protection of its customers," Tulus said when contacted by Tempo on Wednesday, March 14.

Read also: Police Say Skimming Fraud Behind Massive BRI Account Theft

Tulus admitted, before the case, YLKI has often received public complaints related to similar cases.

"Already have (public complaint)," he said.

To anticipate that such incidents not to happen again, the Financial Services Authority (OJK) should audit the IT banking system to avoid easy breaking.

Previously, dozens of BRI customers Unit Ngadiluwih, Kediri, blocked their accounts. Dozens of customers reported that they lost their money in their accounts, even if they did not do money transaction. It was known when they about to make a transaction at the ATM machine and found that the money was lost. The average customer's money that was lost started from Rp500 thousand to Rp1 million. In total, there are 30 customers who became victims to the skimming practice.

Read: 5 Tips from the Police to Avoid ATM Card Skimming

However, Chief Executive OJK Banking Supervisor Heru Kristiyana said, the BRI security is good now. From his knowledge, BRI has conducted banking security counseling to its customers in accordance with the procedures by OJK. If conceded like that happened, it must be seen from the aspect of the protection of the PIN of the automatic teller card (ATM) of the customer itself. "Sometimes there are customers who are careless with the PIN," said Heru to Tempo, Tuesday, March 13.

BRI's party then said they would replace the loss and submit the investigation of the case to the police. According to the Head of Sub-directorate I of Cyber Criminal Investigation of the National Police's Unit Commissioner Irwan Anwar, the money losses were allegedly due to skimming practices.

Until now, BRI admitted still conducting an investigation and also has replaced the lost money. BRI is coordinating with the police to investigate the case.

CHITRA PARAMAESTI