Jakarta, 7 March 2016 – Indonesia’s Perhimpunan Bank- bank Internasional (PERBINA), formerly known as The Foreign Banks Association Indonesia (FBAI), elects Citi Indonesia Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Batara Sianturi as the new Chairman. Batara succeeds Joseph Abraham, Chief Executive Officer of ANZ Indonesia. In his capacity as Chairman, Batara will facilitate and represent the interests of PERBINA members particularly in engaging with stakeholders namely regulators, media and the public, as well as to ensure contributions will be significantly made to the banking sector in Indonesia’s journey towards a better economic growth.

Joseph Abraham stated, “I am delighted that Batara Sianturi will succeed me as the new Chairman. His experience and knowledge will further help PERBINA in engaging key stakeholders and in helping to build the financial capability of the country. The foreign banks play a key role in the development of the Indonesian economy as they help to attract foreign direct investment, arrange the majority of foreign currency loans and bond issuance, as well as help developing the human capital capability. Hence they complement and support the local banks and are an essential component of the financial infrastructure of the country.”

“Over the last five years PERBINA has significantly increased its engagement and visibility with the public, government and regulators through a collaborative approach and I am sure this approach will continue under Batara’s leadership,” he added.

Joseph Abraham was the Chairman of PERBINA for the period of 2011-2016. Joining ANZ in 2008, Joseph has extensive international banking experience of well over 20 years in Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Africa, United Kingdom and India – where he has played important roles in general management, strategy and product management, trade and cash operations, as well as merger and acquisition transactions. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University in California, United States.

Commenting on his election, Batara Sianturi stated, “It is a great honor for me to represent this organization as Chairman. PERBINA is a great platform for international financial institutions operating in Indonesia to collaborate, coordinate and express aspirations. In an era where the world is interconnected, the role of international financial institutions is becoming more relevant, particularly in the economic development of a nation. On carrying this duty, I am committed in continuously representing the interests of our members as well as in increasing our involvements and contributions to the country in providing insights and expertise in key areas of importance to the national economic growth, particularly in the Indonesian financial and banking industry.”

Batara has been with Citi for over 27 years. Prior to his appointment as CEO of Citi Indonesia, Batara was the CEO of Citi Philippines and Regional Head for the Philippines and Guam (2013-2015) as well as the CEO of Citi Hungary and Regional Head for 12 countries in Eastern Europe (2007 – 2013).

Batara has two Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemical Engineering and in Polymer/ Macromolecular Science from Case Western Reserve University, as well as a Master of Chemical Engineering degree from Steven’s Institute of Technology and an MBA degree in Finance from St. John’s University. He was also inducted to Tau Beta Pi, Engineering Honor Society and Beta Gamma Sigma, International Honor Society for Business Excellence during his academic years.

He was the recipient of “Men Who Matter Award” in 2014 by People Asia magazine, Philippines, which recognized his contributions to the banking services sector, and Responsible Business Leadership Award in 2015 by Enterprise Asia for his commitment towards financial literacy, education, and inclusion to the community.

PERBINA has 23 members from 11 countries which consist of branches of international financial institutions and joint ventures with foreign majority ownership in Indonesia. PERBINA meets regularly to discuss industry related issues and divided into Finance Forum, Compliance Forum and Technology and & Operations Forum.
 

For further media inquiries, please contact:

PERBINA Secretariat Office

Phone: 021 - 5212901
Contact Person: Marissa Triyani
Email: marissa.triyani@id.pwc.com