Klojen (malangkota.go.id) – The economic sector is one of the pillars of democracy. A society with a good economic level will have an impact on the quality of democratic life in an effort towards regional development. This was conveyed by the Deputy Mayor of Malang Drs. Sutiaji when giving a speech at the opening of the Financial Services Industry Expo at the Atrium Malang Town Square Malang, Saturday (18/11).
"Economic independence plays a very important role in people's lives. Therefore, one way to get there is by increasing financial inclusion and literacy," he continued.
On that occasion, Deputy Mayor Sutiaji revealed that financial inclusion in the East Java region, especially Malang City, had exceeded the national target of 73 percent. However, unfortunately, according to Sutiaji, this was not accompanied by a literacy rate that was still at 37 percent.
"This means that many people are involved in financial institutions because of the system, but their understanding of financial literacy is weak," he said.
To overcome the low financial literacy rate, the government must cooperate with the Financial Services Authority (OJK), which has the task of providing citizens with an understanding of this matter, in addition to monitoring and taking action against financial institutions.
"On behalf of the government, I fully appreciate the holding of this expo because it is part of an effort to provide an understanding of financial institutions to the public," he said.
The high level of financial literacy in society will have a positive impact on the understanding of financial services, both from the banking sector to insurance. It is also able to minimize the number of fraudulent investments that have so far harmed the community.
"Malang City Government is able to be a catalyst and mediator that can make this happen," added Sutiaji.
Meanwhile, the Head of OJK Malang, Widodo, appreciated the government's support for realizing good economic inclusion and literacy rates for the community.
"Support "The government shows its commitment to building the economy in Malang City. The role of the local government in synergy with other institutions will be able to increase economic acceleration in Malang to the maximum," said Widodo.
The Financial Services Industry Expo is a routine agenda that is always held by OJK. In 2017, as many as 165 financial institutions throughout Malang Raya, ranging from banking, pawnshops, People's Credit Banks, insurance to BPJS participated in this expo. (say/yon)
