Building a Resilient Maritime Sector, Bank bjb Strengthens Coastal Community Financial Capacity

Bank bjb expanded financial literacy and inclusion for coastal communities through a financial education activity titled ‘Bahari Tangguh, Ekonomi Maju’ in Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih, Gebang Mekar Village, Cirebon Regency, on Monday 2 March 2026. This initiative marks bank bjb’s effort to enhance the financial management capacity of fishing communities that drive the coastal economy. Through the education programme, bank bjb seeks to ensure that growth in the real economy in the fisheries sector aligns with stronger financial foundations for fishermen’s households. Corporate Secretary bank bjb Herfinia said that Desa Gebang Mekar is included in the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih programme designated by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia. ‘With a significant number of active fishing households and a dominance of capture fisheries activities, this area holds a strategic position in supporting the coastal economy of Cirebon Regency,’ Herfinia said in a press release. Given this potential, bank bjb regards the fishing sector as requiring not only production support but also revenue management, financial planning, and access to formal financial services that are safe and reliable. In this event, bank bjb was accompanied by various stakeholders, including the Financial Services Authority (OJK) – Cirebon, a member of Commission XI of the Indonesian House of Representatives, and the Government of Cirebon Regency. This cross-sector collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable financial ecosystem in coastal areas. Bank bjb’s presence is an important part of expanding access to banking services for fishermen. Through an educational approach, bank bjb not only introduces products but also provides an understanding of the importance of sound and planned financial management. Productive Financing The education provided covers basics of household financial planning, cash flow management, the importance of saving, and prudent use of productive financing. Through this programme, bank bjb introduces access to productive financing that can be used to support the development of fishing enterprises, including equipment, vessel maintenance, and working capital. One concrete support introduced is financing facilities such as Kredit Usaha Rakyat for fishermen, designed to provide access to capital with affordable terms that match the character of fisheries sector businesses. Bank bjb believes that financing support must be accompanied by adequate understanding to avoid risks later on. Therefore, education is the fundamental foundation in every effort to broaden financial access. Strengthening literacy in the fishing sector is expected to boost productivity and the resilience of household economies. With better financial management, fishermen can plan business investments, their children’s education, and future financial protection. As a regional development bank, bank bjb remains committed to being present among coastal communities with an inclusive and solution-focused approach. Support for locally flagship sectors forms part of tangible contributions to regional economic development. Going forward, bank bjb will continue to expand literacy programmes to other regions, especially areas with potential local flagship sectors that require support to strengthen financial capacity. A locally based, needs-driven approach will be the main strategy in every programme implementation. By understanding local characteristics, the education provided can be more targeted and effective. Bank bjb is optimistic that strong financial literacy and inclusion will enable fishermen to progressively and sustainably improve household welfare, while also strengthening regional economic resilience, particularly in Cirebon Regency and other coastal regions in Indonesia.