Vol. 6 No. 4 (2026): August
Open Access
Peer Reviewed

BALANCING EXPLOITATION & EXPLORATION: AN AMBIDEXTROUS ORGANIZATION FRAMEWORK IN THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION PROCESS OF BANK PEREKONOMIAN RAKYAT (BPR) SARIDANA SURABAYA

Authors

Alvian Susanto , Aurik Gustomo

Published:

2026-07-29

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Abstract

This study aims to create a workable framework and to determine the optimal strategic priority for the digital transformation of rural banks (traditionally known as Bank Perekonomian Rakyat) in Indonesia amidst the disruptive competition from the fintech and digital banking, and the chronic resource constraints. Based on the Ambidextrous Organization Theory, this research utilizes a mized-methods approach, combining qualitative thematic analysis & value focus thinking derived from executive interviews & survey, with the quantitative Analytic Hierarchy Process to evaluate the digital product alternatives against foundantional organizational criteria. The analysis reveals that shareholder willingness and business potential are the most dominant criteria driving digital adoption, superseding technological and capital limitations, while Consumer Lending emerges as the to priority product alternative, outperforming other alternatives such as retail funding and fee-based services. In conclusion, successful digital transformation for resource-constrained financial institutions  depends fundamentally on leadership mindset and market pragmatism rather than investment on technological infrastucture. Rural banks must adopt an ambidextrous operational model, and prioritizing symbiotic integrations with existing financial technology ecosystems to disburse rapid, revenue-generating consumer loans. This targeted approach secures the immediate financial returns necessary to sustain ongoing digital transformation while deliberately maintaining traditional offline processes for complex loan financing.

Keywords:

Ambidextrous Organization BPR Indonesia Change Management Digital Transformation Financial Technology

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Author Biographies

Alvian Susanto, SBM ITB

Author Origin : Indonesia

Aurik Gustomo, https://www.sbm.itb.ac.id/

Author Origin : Indonesia

Prof. Dr. Aurik Gustomo, S.T., M.T. is a prominent Indonesian academic and business strategist, currently serving as the Dean of the School of Business and Management at Institut Teknologi Bandung (SBM ITB) for the 2025–2030 term. He is a Professor within the People, Knowledge, and Management expertise group with research and consultancy work focus on the intersection of human behaviour, leadership, and organizational performance. Prof. Aurik is highly regarded as one of the nine founding figures who established SBM ITB in 2003, helping ITB integrate business education alongside engineering, science, and art.

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How to Cite

Susanto, A., & Gustomo, A. (2026). BALANCING EXPLOITATION & EXPLORATION: AN AMBIDEXTROUS ORGANIZATION FRAMEWORK IN THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION PROCESS OF BANK PEREKONOMIAN RAKYAT (BPR) SARIDANA SURABAYA. International Journal of Economic, Business, Accounting, Agriculture Management and Sharia Administration (IJEBAS), 6(4), 2170–2179. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21698168