To address the increasing use of online loans (pinjol) in society, the Center for Sharia Economics and Business (PEBS) of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) of Universitas Indonesia (UI) held a program called the “Gerakan Sosial Pintar Kelola Uang (Pialang)” (Smart Money Management Social Movement). The program, which was implemented at Depok City Hall, was attended by teachers and members of the Women-Headed Household Empowerment (PEKKA) supported by the Depok City Government, Depok City TPAKD, and the West Java OJK Region.
Head of the UI Community Service Team, Rahmatina A. Kasri, Ph.D., highlighted the urgency of this program as an effort to prevent people from getting caught up in the rampant pinjol problem. “The pinjol problem needs to be addressed immediately with proper education. Through this training, we want to provide a deep understanding of how to manage household finances properly, as well as introduce sharia finance as a safer alternative that is in accordance with the values of our society,” said Rahmatina.
With the main theme of sharia financial planning and household budget management, the training held on September 20, 2024 is expected to provide sustainable solutions for the community, especially those who are vulnerable to being trapped by illegal online loans. “We want to encourage participants to be able to manage their finances well, so that they can avoid the temptation of high-risk loans,” he said further.
Muhammad Fitriawan, Head of TPAKD Depok City, also emphasized the importance of proper financial management for families. He said, “I hope this literacy activity can reach the community down to the sub-district and village levels, and participants can spread the knowledge they gain to the surrounding community.” In addition, he also emphasized the importance of the role of sharia social financial institutions as a safe alternative.
On the same occasion, Senior Analyst of the West Java Province OJK, Iman K. Nugraha, reminded the public to be more careful in distinguishing between legal and illegal online loans. He suggested, “The public needs to understand the 2K principle, namely Needs and Capabilities, and allocate finances wisely.”
Vivi, one of the PEKKA members who attended this training, expressed her appreciation. “This education is very useful for us mothers who have limitations in Islamic financial literacy, so that we are more aware of the importance of financial planning. Hopefully activities like this can be continued again,” he said.
With the “Gerakan Sosial Pintar Kelola Uang (Pialang)” (Smart Money Management Social Movement) program, UI hopes to help the Depok community to be smarter in managing their finances, avoid the trap of online loans, and support sustainable financial inclusion based on Islamic law.
