OJK Central Sulawesi Enhances Financial Literacy for Persons with Disabilities

Persons with disabilities need equal opportunities to access financial services and economic development. Palu (ANTARA) - The Financial Services Authority (OJK) of Central Sulawesi Province is enhancing financial literacy and inclusion for persons with disabilities to create more inclusive, accessible financial services that support the economic independence of the community. Head of OJK Central Sulawesi Province, Bonny Hardi Putra, in Palu on Wednesday, stated that persons with disabilities must receive equal opportunities to access financial services and economic development. He explained that OJK has conducted financial education activities, business matching, and the launch of the Financial Literacy Guidebook for Persons with Disabilities. “We encourage persons with disabilities to become more capable in managing finances, have broader access to financial products and services, and obtain business development and financing opportunities through business matching activities,” he said. According to him, OJK has issued POJK Number 22 of 2023 on Consumer and Public Protection in the Financial Services Sector and POJK Number 3 of 2023 on Enhancing Financial Literacy and Inclusion in the Financial Services Sector for Consumers and the Public. Through these policies, financial services businesses are encouraged to provide inclusive services for persons with disabilities, including Braille forms for the visually impaired, accessible information media, priority services, and other supporting facilities and infrastructure. In addition, he said, OJK has launched the Financial Literacy Guidebook for Persons with Disabilities themed “Smart and Financially Healthy Disabilities Towards Golden Indonesia 2045,” a collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, and the National Commission on Disabilities of the Republic of Indonesia. “The book is designed to provide simple guidance on basic financial management principles, such as managing money and social assistance, distinguishing between needs and wants, saving, and enabling persons with disabilities to start investing wisely and safely,” he stated. Furthermore, he mentioned that the material in the book can serve as a “shield” against various crime modes in the financial services sector. In its development, the guide will also be available in disability-friendly formats such as Braille, audiobooks, and others. Therefore, he hopes that financial literacy and inclusion enhancement activities for persons with disabilities can encourage the creation of a more inclusive, productive, and sustainable economic ecosystem in Central Sulawesi.