UNU Jogja Holds Financial Literacy Program with AFPI and OJK, Equipping Students with Financial Literacy and Safe Digital Transaction Skills

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – The Faculty of Economics at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja), in collaboration with the Indonesian Joint Funding Fintech Association (AFPI), organized an educational program titled “Pindar Mengajar” under the theme “Smart Financial Management, Wise Transactions” at the 5th Floor Hall of UNU Yogyakarta on Wednesday, May 6.

The program is part of efforts to improve financial literacy, particularly among young people, to help them better understand financial management and the responsible use of fintech services. The event was also supported by the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and fintech industry partners.

Dean of the Faculty of Economics at UNU Jogja, Dr. Suhada, ST., MBA., IPU., QRGP, stated that the program serves as an important learning platform for students in facing rapid social and technological changes. He emphasized that technological developments have transformed workplace culture and the way people manage their finances.

“Students need to understand how to use money wisely before utilizing loan services, including for productive purposes such as startups. Digital transformation is unavoidable, so universities must prepare graduates who are ready to face the digital workplace,” he said.

Suhada also added that the program is expected to have a real impact on students’ financial planning while strengthening the curriculum to align with industry needs.

Meanwhile, AFPI Chairman Entjik S. Djafar highlighted the importance of distinguishing between legal and illegal online lending services. He warned the public to remain cautious of illegal lending practices that often promote their services through unsolicited messages, phone calls, or emails.

“If someone contacts us and offers a loan even though we have never downloaded the application, it can be confirmed as illegal. Official platforms are not allowed to make such offers. Illegal lending will only bring negative impacts to society,” he stressed.

He also encouraged students to become financial literacy ambassadors within their communities to help prevent people from falling victim to illegal lending schemes.

Head of Financial Services Supervision Division 4 of OJK Yogyakarta, Kurnia Febra Mikaza, emphasized the importance of consumer protection in the financial services sector in accordance with Law Number 4 of 2023. The principles include adequate education, transparency, fair treatment, and responsible business conduct.

According to the 2025 National Survey of Financial Literacy and Inclusion (SNLIK) released by OJK and Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Indonesia’s financial literacy index reached 66.46 percent, while the financial inclusion index stood at 80.51 percent. This indicates that increasing financial access must be balanced with stronger public literacy.

Based on OJK data as of April 24, 2026, there are 94 licensed fintech lending providers officially registered under OJK supervision. In addition, the term “pinjaman daring” (pindar) is now used to distinguish legal digital lending services from illegal online loans.

The main session featured speakers from the fintech industry and academia, including Rudy Santoso (Director of UangMe), Yulvina Nainggolan (President Director of Indosaku), Anna Maria Chosani (Director of Rupiah Cepat), Andre Jaja Andi Kasim (Director of Danaku), as well as UNU Jogja lecturers Regas Panji Pratomo, S.E., M.M., Ak., and Nurma Pratiwi, S.E., M.Si., Ak. The discussion was moderated by Rahajeng Panduati, S.E., M.Sc.

The materials covered personal financial management, understanding legal digital lending, and tips for conducting safe transactions in the digital era. Key recommendations included ensuring platforms are registered with OJK, borrowing according to repayment ability, understanding both benefits and risks, and avoiding debt cycle practices.

As part of the event, UNU Jogja and AFPI also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a commitment to strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions and industry.

Through this program, students are expected to become smarter consumers, more critical in choosing financial services, and capable of managing their finances wisely amid the rapid growth of financial technology. [Latifah]