The Executive Head of Financial Service Business Players' Behavior Oversight, Education, and Consumer Protection at the Financial Services Authority (OJK), Friderica Widyasari Dewi, has emphasized OJK's ongoing efforts to strengthen Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) to boost the nation's economy, including enhancing business knowledge. Friderica highlighted the substantial contribution of UMKM to Indonesia's economy, constituting 99% of business units and playing a crucial role in employment. In line with this, OJK is actively enhancing financial literacy among the public, especially UMKM players. One such initiative took place in Ngargogondo Village, Magelang Regency, Central Java, where extensive educational activities were conducted. To support UMKM, OJK urges financial service industries to provide support, particularly in UMKM financing, aiming to elevate the status of Indonesian UMKM. OJK frequently organizes business matching sessions, facilitating interactions between UMKM players and banks or financial service industries for potential loans.
Additionally, OJK offers guidance to UMKM players to help elevate their businesses. Friderica advises recipients of financial assistance from financial service industries to maintain a financial record through OJK's SLIK system. This practice ensures easier access to future loans from credible financial institutions. The educational activities in Ngargogondo Village were attended by various stakeholders, including farmers, UMKM players, tourism industry participants, millennial business groups, members of Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD), and the general public. Participants gained insights into topics such as vigilance against illegal online loans, financial planning importance, People's Business Credit (KUR), Micro Credit, and Agricultural Business Insurance for Rice Farmers (AUTP). In conclusion, OJK's commitment to UMKM development and financial literacy underscores its dedication to fostering economic growth and empowerment at the grassroots level.
