REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- On December 16 2023, BRI entered its 128th year. Founded in 1895 with the name De Poerwokertosche Hulp en Spaarbank der Inlandsche Hoofden or 'Bank for Aid and Savings of the Purwokerto Gentiles' in Purwokerto, Central Java, BRI has made various unique, outstanding achievements and records in the national banking industry. 

Here are some unique and interesting facts about BRI you need to know. 

1. Starting from mosque treasury

This bank, which was founded by Raden Bei Aria Wirjaatmadja, came from the idea of ​​alleviating native economic difficulties by utilizing mosque cash. At that time, the mosque administrators saw that there was a social gap between natives and the Dutch. Existing mosque cash was collected to be lent to the community on a rolling basis. Then after being paid it was then lent again to someone else. Finally this become a bank. The mosque's cash was intended for people in need, whether they were entrepreneurs or people who were in difficulties.