Analyst says get-rich-quick expectations challenge Gen Z financial literacy
An investment analyst has said that expectations of achieving wealth in a short time are a challenge in strengthening investment and financial literacy among Generation Z, so education needs to emphasise the process of building wealth gradually and consistently.
Head of Investment Specialist at PT Syailendra Capital, Syanne Gracetine Polii, said young people need to understand that building wealth requires a process and is not merely about chasing results in a short time.
“We have to admit that we are now in an era of competition where young people are focused on getting rich quick,” Syanne said during the Syailendra Media Talks titled “Gold 360°: One Asset, Four Perspectives” in Jakarta on Monday.
According to her, the message about long-term investment is currently up against a wide range of financial information on social media that showcases the possibility of making quick profits.
This situation, Syanne said, can make it harder for some young investors to accept the understanding that building wealth is a gradual process.
To address this, she believes young people need to develop a perspective that considers both short-term and long-term consequences in every financial decision.
“From my personal experience, having also struggled with limited investment amounts, I always use the ‘Pain and Gain’ consideration,” she said.
She explained that this approach is used to weigh the consequences between meeting current needs or following current trends and preparing one’s financial condition for the future.
According to Syanne, this way of thinking can help young people determine priorities without having to neglect either their present needs or long-term financial preparation.
“The question of choosing between the present and the future is actually two things that I think must both be fought for, must be paid in instalments, and each requires its own sacrifice,” she added.
In addition to building this perspective, Syanne believes investment literacy needs to instil an understanding that wealth formation requires time and consistency.
She said literacy efforts also need to be carried out continuously through channels that are close to young people, such as social media, educational content, podcasts, and activities that bring in educators to share their experiences on long-term financial management.
“We must focus on strengthening literacy through social media, through events, through content, and by inviting educators on podcasts to share their experiences of building wealth over the long term,” Syanne said.
According to her, this education needs to be carried out consistently so that investment understanding does not stop at product introduction, but also builds young people’s ability to make financial decisions according to their respective needs and goals.
The results of the 2026 National Survey of Financial Literacy and Inclusion (SNLIK) conducted by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), the Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS), and Statistics Indonesia (BPS) show that the financial literacy index for the 18-25 age group stood at 73.32 percent, while the financial inclusion index reached 95.69 percent.
Nationally, the financial literacy index in 2026 reached 69.57 percent and the financial inclusion index 93.61 percent. These figures increased compared to 2025, which stood at 66.64 percent and 92.74 percent respectively.
OJK explained that the measurement of financial literacy in the SNLIK covers knowledge, skills, confidence, attitudes, and behaviour, while the inclusion index measures the use of financial products and services.
As part of efforts to strengthen financial literacy, OJK noted that it has held 3,228 financial education activities reaching 11.31 million participants from 1 January to 23 July 2026. As of 30 July 2026, the digital education channel Sikapi Uangmu has also published 227 pieces of content with around 2.15 million viewers.
OJK, together with the Ministry of Finance, Bank Indonesia (BI), and the Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS), is also running the 2026 Leading Indonesian Financial Literacy (LIKE IT) programme.
One of its activities in August 2026 provided education to 3,500 Scout members about saving habits, managing money wisely, and preparing for financial needs and goals from a young age.