Group photo of the Community Service Program on Financial Literacy organized by the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, at Tirtohargo Village, Bantul (September 13, 2025). Present in the photo are Dr. Solikhatun, M.Si. (second from right), Tirtohargo Village Head Mr. Sugiyamta (in batik), Herty Lidiyani Tiwow from PT Tugu Insurance (second from left), and Tirtohargo Village Secretary Mr. Juni Yanto Handoko, S.Pd.I.
Bantul – The Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) organized a community service program themed “Financial Literacy” in Tirtohargo Village, Kretek District, Bantul Regency. This activity was a collaboration between the Department of Mathematics UGM and PT Tugu Insurance, led by Dr. Solikhatun, M.Si., with representation from PT Tugu Insurance by the Government, Public Relation & CSR Dept. Head, Mrs. Herty Lidiyani Tiwow.
In her remarks, Dr. Solikhatun conveyed that the theme of the community service program was “Smart Financial Management in the Digital Era: Beware of Online Loans and Strengthen Cooperative Management.” In today’s fast-paced digital era, filled with convenience, there lies a major challenge—illegal online loans (pinjol) that trap communities with unreasonable interest rates. On the other hand, Indonesia has an extraordinary legacy of mutual economic cooperation through cooperatives. Cooperatives are the backbone of the nation’s economy which, if managed properly and professionally, can serve as a stronghold for family and community economies against modern loan sharks.
As an example, health insurance such as BPJS Kesehatan represents a form of mutual cooperation in financing healthcare. All participants in the community service program received training on personal and household financial management, as well as knowledge about online loans and cooperative management.
At the end of her speech, she expressed hope that after participating in the training, the community would be able to distinguish between legal and illegal online loans, and be capable of managing their finances more effectively and efficiently so as to avoid the dangers of pinjol and make wiser financial decisions.
Echoing this, Tugu Insurance representative, Herty Lidiyani Tiwow, emphasized the importance of financial preparedness, not only in terms of money management but also through insurance protection. “Insurance can be a solution for unexpected risks such as vehicle loss, damage, or illness. This activity also serves as a platform to socialize the benefits of insurance to the community,” she explained.
The program was officially opened by the Head of Tirtohargo Village, Mr. Sugiyamta, accompanied by the Village Secretary, Mr. Juni Yanto Handoko, S.Pd.I. The event continued with the presentation of a souvenir from the Department of Mathematics FMIPA UGM to Tirtohargo Village.
The first training session featured a team from Prestasi Juara Indonesia, supported by UGM students as facilitators. The session focused on household financial management, from creating a budget plan, prioritizing essential needs, setting aside savings, to understanding the role of insurance. The training was conducted interactively using fun educational games, which helped participants grasp the material more quickly. The community showed high enthusiasm throughout the session.
The next session was delivered by Drs. Danardono, MPH., Ph.D., who discussed the dangers of illegal online loans. He explained the characteristics of illegal lenders and the steps that can be taken if one is already trapped. The community was reminded not to be easily tempted by instant loan offers through text messages or unofficial applications.
To support the financial needs of the community, Restu Ananda Putra, S.Si., M.Aktr. encouraged the use of village cooperatives, which are safer and uphold the principle of mutual cooperation. Restu also presented the government’s Merah Putih Cooperative program, designed as a community-based economic empowerment initiative to strengthen community independence through a healthy and trustworthy cooperative system.
Through this program, the people of Tirtohargo Village are expected to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of financial literacy, avoid the traps of illegal online loans, and make use of formal financial instruments such as cooperatives and insurance to improve family welfare.
Keywords: Financial Literacy, UGM Community Service
Author: Shafira Fauzia Untsa
Photo: Asha Nabila Zahra