OJK Central Sulawesi Boosts Fishermen's Financial Literacy Through Training

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) of Central Sulawesi is improving financial literacy and inclusion for fishermen in Banagan Village, Tolitoli Regency, through a Training of Trainers (ToT) activity. Head of OJK Central Sulawesi, Bonny Hardi Putra, stated in Palu on Wednesday that the initiative aims to ensure fishermen are not only resilient at sea but also astute in managing their finances. He explained that the activity is part of the Inclusive Financial Ecosystem (EKI) programme, synergised with the development of the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih (KNMP) programme in Banagan Village. Although the KNMP in the area is not yet operational, OJK has taken incubation steps to prepare the community to utilise the financial ecosystem that will be built through the programme. Through this programme, fishermen are encouraged to understand sound financial management, utilise formal financial services such as savings and insurance, and access productive financing to support business sustainability. The Training of Trainers activity was attended by 130 fishermen. Participants were equipped with knowledge and skills regarding financial literacy and inclusion to be ready to utilise various financial products and services once the KNMP ecosystem begins operating. Bonny emphasised that understanding financial management is crucial for fishermen to support business sustainability, including through the use of formal financial services like 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 local governments, ministries and agencies, and financial services industry players to support the development of KNMP in Banagan Village through the EKI programme. This effort is expected to expand coastal communities’ access to formal financial services, strengthen the resilience of fishermen’s businesses, and promote the economic independence of the community in Banagan Village.