OJK Central Sulawesi Boosts Fishermen's Financial Literacy Through Training

Palu (ANTARA) - The Financial Services Authority (OJK) of Central Sulawesi Province is improving financial literacy and inclusion for fishermen in Banagan Village, Tolitoli Regency, through a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme.

“We want fishermen to be not only resilient at sea, but also smart in managing their finances,” said the Head of OJK Central Sulawesi, Bonny Hardi Putra, in Palu on Wednesday.

He said the activity forms part of the Inclusive Financial Ecosystem (EKI) Programme, which works in synergy with the development of the Red and White Fishermen’s Village (KNMP) programme in Banagan Village.

According to him, Banagan Village is one of the candidate locations for the first phase of KNMP. Although the KNMP in the area has not yet begun operations, OJK has taken incubation steps to prepare the community to make use of the financial ecosystem that will be built through the programme.

Through the programme, he said, fishermen are encouraged to understand sound financial management, make use of formal financial services such as savings and insurance, and access productive financing to support business sustainability.

He explained that the Training of Trainers activity was attended by 130 fishermen. Participants were equipped with knowledge and skills in financial literacy and inclusion so they are ready to utilise various financial products and services once the KNMP ecosystem begins operating.

Bonny said an understanding of financial management is important for fishermen to support the sustainability of their businesses, including through the use of formal financial services such as savings, insurance, and productive financing.

Beyond equipping participants, the ToT activity is expected to produce financial literacy agents at the community level who can disseminate knowledge about financial management, the use of formal financial products and services, and consumer protection.

“OJK Central Sulawesi will continue to strengthen synergy with regional governments, ministries and agencies, and financial services industry players in supporting the development of the KNMP in Banagan Village through the EKI Programme,” he said.

He added that these efforts are expected to expand coastal communities’ access to formal financial services, strengthen the resilience of fishermen’s businesses, and promote economic independence among the people of Banagan Village.