The booth was quite conspicuous. Amongst the cream-colored exhibition booths, the space gives off its bright feel. The combination of blue and yellow, as well as balloons of the same color, stood parallel in front of the booth.
A lady dressed neatly as a bank teller was getting ready in there. She repeatedly memorized the dialogue for the visitors. Several times, she tidied up her suit. A neat appearance is always a plus in attracting investors.
“This mother bank is one of the mobile banks…” her voice was faint as she practiced.
The lady was Dilla who is in charge of marketing for Mother Bank. With a distinctive voice, she tried to offer the services offered by Mother Bank to visitors.
Mother Bank is a mimicry of non-formal institutions or financial institutions that practice moneylenders, savings, and loans with very high-interest rates. This practice develops in rural areas, their main target often being mothers.
Mother Bank from the Land Study Agency is a mobile bank service originating from Wates Village, Majalengka. Mother Bank’s services are based on close-knitted neighborhoods. According to Dilla, this Mother Bank differs from others of its kind because they do not take interest, or 0% interest.
“We are more focused on the socio-economic and environmental benefits. We changed the interest system into an investment for borrowers in the form of their energy and time for a common purpose,” Dilla explained.
Dilla further stated that Mother Bank invites investors to join together to provide funds. Within a month, their money will be returned in full. Coupled with the benefits obtained from helping others, and will also receive Pahala.
Mother Bank’s exhibition booth is arranged in such a way that it resembles a typical Bank room. The walls are decorated with the vision, mission, and principles of Mother Bank. Right next to where Dilla was standing was a blackboard containing savings and loan notes for mothers who are members of the Mother Bank.
In the middle of the room, there was also a mat with some snacks on it. There was also a television showing a video of Kiai Imam Nakha’i filling out the Agrarian Recitation.
Right next to the television there is a halal certificate from Mother Bank. Dilla always mentions the certificate in her persuasion to visitors
“We already have a halal certificate, here. So don’t be afraid to invest in Mother Bank.”
