For Robert P. Fanggidae, returning to his hometown was never a step backward. Instead, it was where he discovered the true meaning of service. As an alumnus of the Management Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), Class of 1989, Fanggidae chose to strengthen the local economy of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) through a rural community bank. This quiet path of dedication has led him to receive numerous awards at both local and national levels, including the 2025 UGM Alumni Awards in the Pioneer in Empowering Disadvantaged, Frontier, and Outermost (3T) Regions category.
Fanggidae has emerged as a figure who proves that change can begin with perseverance, integrity, and a strong commitment to grassroots communities. He sees opportunities rather than limitations.
Through Bank Perekonomian Rakyat Tanaoba Lais Manekat (TLM), he has not only expanded access to financial services but also created jobs and fostered new hope for communities across East Nusa Tenggara.
Fanggidae completed his studies at FEB UGM in August 1995. His professional career began at Bank Danamon Kupang, followed by a position at a company in Jakarta, before health considerations led him to return to his hometown.
The decision to return to Kupang marked a pivotal turning point in his life, opening a longer path of service. Before developing Bank TLM, he served as Manager of KSU Talenta Kupang and Deputy Branch Head of Bank Artha Graha Internasional in Kupang.
Learning from the Ground Up
February 2006 marked the beginning of Fanggidae’s journey in developing Bank TLM. At that time, he was entrusted with serving as a development consultant for the Tanaoba Lais Manekat Foundation, tasked with initiating the establishment of a rural community bank.
Establishing BPR TLM was far from easy. Access to information was minimal. Robert spent long nights at a modest internet café in Kupang, searching for references and learning how to build a rural community bank.
He taught himself how to prepare feasibility studies and formed a statistics team to analyze demographic data and translate it into management strategies.
“Back then, the internet was nothing like it is today. There was only one internet café at the post office, and every night at 8 p.m. I went there to look for materials to prepare feasibility studies, learn Bank Indonesia regulations, work with the team on business strategies, and project five-year financial plans to obtain the principal license,” he explained.
As development consultant for the foundation, he was also responsible for preparing human resources, fixed assets, capital deposits, products, standard operating procedures, sourcing a core banking system, and other requirements to obtain an operational license.
Naturally, this was not an easy task, given the lack of prior experience.
After a long two-year journey, BPR TLM officially began operations on February 1, 2008, with initial capital of IDR 1.5 billion and 18 employees. Within its first 11 months, the bank had already recorded a profit. As of November 30, 2025, BPR TLM’s assets had grown to IDR 298 billion, supported by 149 employees, two branch offices, and two cash offices.
Fanggidae emphasized that BPR TLM functions not only as a financial intermediary but also as a development agent. The bank provides access to finance for micro-entrepreneurs and underserved communities. Under his leadership, it introduced innovations such as savings accounts with no administrative fees, long before similar policies became mainstream.
BPR TLM has also created local jobs, improved financial literacy, and contributed to regional tax revenues. In 2024, the bank was among the largest taxpayers in its region.
Service Recognized Through Achievement
In building BPR TLM, Fanggidae pursued a consistent yet straightforward path: upholding integrity and implementing professional governance. These principles did not emerge overnight but were shaped during his education at FEB UGM. The academic environment that instilled these values became a strong foundation that he later applied in real-world banking practice.
These principles led BPR TLM to receive more than 30 awards, including First Place in the 2025 Paritrana Awards at the East Nusa Tenggara provincial level, Second Place in the 2024 Paritrana Awards (NTT level), and First Place in the 2023 Paritrana Awards (NTT level).
In addition, BPR TLM received the Infobank Awards for Rural Banks 14 times between 2011 and 2022 and was named one of the Best Rural Banks at the national level with an “Excellent” rating in 2024–2025. Other achievements include Third Place in the 2023 National Paritrana Awards and three consecutive Platinum Infobank Awards as one of the Best Rural Banks nationally.
For his dedication to empowering communities in 3T regions, Robert was also awarded the 2025 UGM Alumni Awards in the Pioneer in Empowering 3T Regions category. For him, the recognition from UGM carries deep personal meaning.
He admitted that he did not graduate with a perfect grade point average due to family circumstances. However, the experience taught him that a person’s worth does not end with academic scores.
“I am proud that even with an average GPA, I can still make an impact on many people. This award feels like a response to the dissatisfaction I once felt during my student years,” said the chair of the Regional Board of the UGM Alumni Association (Kagama) for East Nusa Tenggara Province.
Concluding the Zoom conversation, Fanggidae shared a message for younger generations to remain steadfast in upholding integrity. He emphasized that integrity, along with perseverance and a continuous willingness to learn, is key to success.
“As long as we are given the opportunity to live, we will do our best. Continue to uphold integrity, act professionally, and contribute to the environment where we work,” he concluded.
Reporter: FEB UGM/Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya