Strengthen Fishermen's Independence, Bank bjb Encourages Productive Financial Management

Cirebon, VIVA – Bank bjb is expanding financial literacy and inclusion for coastal communities through active participation in a financial education programme titled ‘Bahari Tangguh, Ekonomi Maju’, held at Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih, Desa Gebang Mekar, Cirebon Regency, on Monday (2/3). This activity forms part of Bank bjb’s strategic move to boost the capacity for financial management among fishermen, who play a crucial role in driving the coastal economy of the region. Through the education, Bank bjb aims to ensure that growth in the real sector in the fisheries area aligns with strengthened financial foundations for fishermen’s households. The village Gebang Mekar is included in the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih programme established by the Republic of Indonesia’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. With a significant number of active fishing households and dominance of capture fisheries, the area holds a strategic position in supporting the coastal economy of Cirebon Regency. Recognising this potential, Bank bjb views that the fishing sector needs to be encouraged not only in terms of production but also in terms of income management, financial planning, and access to safe and reliable formal financial services. In this activity, Bank bjb works with a range of stakeholders, including the Financial Services Authority (OJK) in Cirebon, a member of Commission XI of the DPR RI, and the Cirebon Regency Government. This cross-sector synergy demonstrates a shared commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable financial ecosystem in coastal areas. The presence of Bank bjb as a regional development bank 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 healthy and planned financial management. The education includes basic understanding of family financial planning, cash-flow management, the importance of saving, and the prudent use of productive financing. Through the programme, Bank bjb also introduces access to productive financing that can be used to support the development of fishing businesses, including equipment needs, vessel maintenance, and working capital. One concrete form of support introduced is financing facilities such as Kredit Usaha Rakyat for fishermen, designed to provide access to capital with affordable schemes aligned to the nature of fisheries businesses.