Priority Banking Complaints at BNI Emerald Fall Short of Premium Expectations, Indonesian Study Finds

 
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FORMOSA NEWS -  Cirebon - Priority banking customers expect fast, transparent, and highly personalized service. However, a new peer-reviewed study by Zahra Akilah Nurnabila and Siti Khumayah of the University of Swadaya Gunung Jati finds that complaint handling for BNI Emerald, Bank Negara Indonesia’s priority banking service, has not yet met those expectations. Published in 2026 in the Indonesian Journal of Advanced Research (IJAR), the study shows that while formal procedures are in place at BNI KCU Cirebon, service effectiveness remains limited due to slow follow-up, inconsistent communication, and gaps between promised and experienced service quality. The findings matter as Indonesia’s banking sector faces rising customer complaints and increasing pressure to protect consumer trust in the digital era.
 

Why Priority Complaint Handling Matters

Indonesia’s banking industry has changed rapidly over the past decade. Digital services, tighter competition, and more informed customers have raised expectations, especially among high-net-worth clients. Priority customers, such as those enrolled in BNI Emerald, receive exclusive facilities, dedicated relationship managers, and faster access to financial services. In return, they expect premium treatment at every stage of interaction, including when problems arise.

Data from Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority (OJK) show that consumer complaints in the financial sector continue to increase each year, including from priority segments. Regulators emphasize that complaint handling must be fast, transparent, and accountable as a core element of consumer protection. For government-owned banks like BNI, ineffective complaint services not only risk customer dissatisfaction but also weaken public trust in state institutions.

Against this backdrop, the study focuses on whether priority complaint services at BNI Emerald truly deliver the level of effectiveness expected from a premium banking product.

 

How the Research Was Conducted

The research used a descriptive qualitative approach to examine complaint handling at Bank BNI KCU Cirebon, a branch with an active BNI Emerald customer base. Data were collected through:

·         In-depth interviews with two BNI Emerald priority customers

·         Interviews with a Relationship Manager and a Customer Service officer

·         Direct observation and analysis of internal service documents

The analysis was guided by established indicators of service effectiveness—including goal achievement, timeliness, work quality, and customer satisfaction—and by widely used complaint handling criteria, such as speed, fairness, and transparency.

Rather than measuring satisfaction through surveys alone, the study focused on customer experiences and perceptions to capture how complaint services are actually felt by users.

 

Key Findings from the Field

The study reveals a consistent gap between formal procedures and customer experience.

·        Procedures exist, but effectiveness is limited BNI Emerald complaint handling follows clear operational steps, from complaint reception to internal evaluation. However, customers report that the process does not consistently deliver a premium experience.

·      Slow follow-up undermines trust Initial responses to complaints are generally quick, but resolution and follow-up often take too long. Multi-layered internal escalation and limited personnel contribute to delays.

·     Inconsistent service quality Customers reported administrative errors and uneven service delivery. These mistakes reduce confidence, particularly among priority customers who expect accuracy and reliability.

·      Transparency remains weak Complaint status updates are not always provided proactively. Customers often receive information only after asking, which creates uncertainty and frustration.

·     Fairness is not fully perceived While staff follow standard procedures, customers do not always feel the outcomes are fair because the resolution process is not clearly explained.

Overall, the study concludes that BNI Emerald’s complaint services are procedurally compliant but not yet effective from the customer’s perspective.

 

Implications for Banking Practice and Policy

The findings carry important lessons for banks serving premium customers.

For bank management, the study highlights the need to align service promises with actual delivery. Premium branding must be supported by faster resolution times, consistent service quality, and proactive communication.

For relationship managers and customer service teams, the research underscores the importance of transparency. Priority customers value detailed explanations and regular updates, not just final outcomes.

For regulators and policymakers, the study reinforces the role of complaint handling as a key indicator of service quality in government-owned banks. Improving complaint effectiveness supports broader goals of public service reform and consumer protection.

More broadly, the research shows that in the era of digital banking and high customer awareness, complaint handling is not merely a corrective function. It is a strategic tool for maintaining loyalty, reputation, and long-term relationships.

 

Academic Insight

According to Siti Khumayah of the University of Swadaya Gunung Jati, effective complaint handling must be experienced, not just implemented. In ethical paraphrase, she explains that priority customers judge service quality based on speed, clarity, and consistency. When communication is slow or unclear, even well-designed procedures fail to create satisfaction or trust.

 

Author Profiles

Zahra Akilah Nurnabila, S.AP. Graduate researcher in public administration, University of Swadaya Gunung Jati, Cirebon. Field of expertise: public service effectiveness, banking services, and complaint handling. Siti Khumayah, M.Si. Lecturer in public administration, University of Swadaya Gunung Jati, Cirebon. Field of expertise: public service management, service quality, and governance in financial institutions.

 

Source

Journal Article: Analysis of the Effectiveness of Priority Customer Complaint Services at BNI Emerald Services

Journal: Indonesian Journal of Advanced Research (IJAR)

Publication Year: 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/ijar.v5i1.16112

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