For Robert P. Fanggidae, returning to his hometown was not a step backwards. In fact, it was there that he found the meaning of service. This 1989 alumnus of the Management Study Programme at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM) chose to build the economy of the people of East Nusa Tenggara through a rural bank. A quiet path that led him to a series of awards at the local and national levels, one of which was the 2025 UGM Alumni Awards in the category of Pioneer in Empowering Disadvantaged, Frontier, and Outermost Regions (3T).
Robert is a figure who has successfully proven that change can begin with perseverance, integrity, and a commitment to small communities. He sees opportunities, not limitations. Through the Tanaoba Lais Manekat (TLM) People’s Economy Bank, he not only provides access to finance but also creates job opportunities and fosters new hope for the people of East Nusa Tenggara.
Robert completed his studies at the Faculty of Economics and Business, UGM, in August 1995. His professional career began at Bank Danamon Kupang, and he then worked for a company in Jakarta before returning to his hometown due to health reasons. The decision to return to Kupang was a crucial turning point in his life, paving the way for a more extended period of service. Before developing Bank TLM, he served as the Manager of KSU Talenta, Kupang, and Deputy Branch Manager of Bank Artha Graha Internasional, Kupang.
Learning from Scratch
February 2006 marked the beginning of Robert’s journey in developing Bank TLM. At that time, he was entrusted to become a Development Consultant for the Tanaoba Lais Manekat Foundation to initiate the establishment of a rural credit bank.
Establishing BPR TLM was no easy feat. At that time, access to information was minimal. Robert spent long nights at a simple internet cafe in Kupang, searching for information and trying to understand how a rural credit bank should be built. He taught himself how to compile feasibility studies and formed a statistics team to read demographic data and translate it into managerial strategies.
“Back then, the internet was not like it is today. There was only one internet café at the Post Office, and it closed every night at 8 p.m. I would go there to search for materials to prepare a feasibility study, study BI regulations, and work with the team to prepare a feasibility study, including business strategies and financial projections for 5 years to obtain a Principal Permit,” he explained.
As a YTLM Development Consultant, he also prepared human resources, fixed assets, capital deposits, products, SOPs, searched for a Core Banking System, and other requirements to obtain an Operational Permit. Of course, this was not an easy task as he had no prior experience.
Finally, after a long journey spanning two years, BPR TLM officially commenced operations on 1 February 2008, with an initial capital of Rp 1.5 billion and 18 employees. Within the first 11 months, the bank had already recorded a profit. As of November 30, 2025, BPR TLM’s assets had grown to Rp 298 billion, with 149 employees, two branches, and two cash offices.
Robert emphasised that BPR TLM not only functions as an intermediary institution, but also as an agent of development. The bank provides financial access to micro-entrepreneurs and small communities. Not only that, under his leadership, the bank made a breakthrough by offering savings accounts with no administration fees long before similar policies became mainstream. The presence of BPR TLM has also created local jobs, improved financial literacy, and contributed to local tax revenue. In 2024, the bank was listed as one of the largest taxpayers in the region.
Dedication Leads to Achievement
In building BPR TLM, Robert took a straightforward yet consistent approach, namely, upholding integrity and implementing professional governance. These principles did not emerge instantly, but developed over time as he studied at the Faculty of Economics and Business, UGM. The academic environment that instilled these values became a strong foundation that he later applied in real-world banking practices.
This principle has led BPR TLM to win more than 30 awards, such as 1st place in the 2025 Paritrana Awards at the NTT Provincial level, 2nd place in the 2024 Paritrana Awards at the NTT level, and 1st place in the 2023 Paritrana Awards at the NTT Provincial level. In addition, BPR TLM has won the BPR Infobank Awards 14 times from 2011 to 2022, and in 2024-2025 was named one of the Best National BPRs with an Excellent rating. Other achievements include winning 3rd place in the 2023 Paritrana Awards at the national level and receiving the Platinum Infobank Awards as the Best BPR at the national level for three consecutive years.
For his dedication to empowering communities in 3T areas, Robert was also awarded the 2025 UGM Alumni Awards in the category of Pioneer in Empowering 3T Areas. For him, the award from UGM holds deep personal meaning. He admitted that he did not achieve a perfect cumulative grade point average (CGPA) during his studies due to family issues. However, it was precisely from that experience that he learned that a person’s value does not stop at academic grades.
“I am proud that, with an average GPA, I was able to make an impact on many people. This award feels like a response to my dissatisfaction during my university days,” said the Chairman of the Regional Executive Board (Pengda) of the Universitas Gadjah Mada Alumni Association (KAGAMA) for NTT Province.
Concluding the discussion via Zoom, Robert advised the younger generation to uphold integrity. This value is one of the keys to success, along with a never-give-up spirit and a willingness to continue learning.
“As long as you are allowed to live, do your best. Continue to maintain integrity, be professional, and contribute to the environment in which we work,” he concluded.
Reportage by: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Sustainable Development Goals
