OJK Together With Local Governments Must Strengthen Digital Financial Literacy In 3T Regions

Photo: Doc. Antara

JAKARTA - Financial and banking observer from Andalas University (Unand), West Sumatra (West Sumatra), Fajri Adrianto, suggested the Financial Services Authority (OJK) together with local governments strengthen digital financial literacy in disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost (3T) areas.

"If we look at digital financial information and literacy for the community, especially in 3T areas, that's not very good," said financial and banking observer from Unand Fajri Adrianto, in Padang, quoted from Antara, Tuesday, August 21.

This has been proven by several business actors in Mentawai Islands Regency who are categorized as 3T areas still use a lot of cash payments. In fact, as the center of the provincial capital, there are still many micro, small and medium enterprises in Padang City who do not use the Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) or the like.

Based on the results of studies, the higher the level of a person's education, he is more likely to use QRIS and the like than cash payments. In addition to the lack of digital financial literacy, the lack of implementation of digital payment systems in Bumi Sikerei (Mentawai nickname) is also due to internet infrastructure factors.

"This is important because the internet connection is vital for the implementation of digital finance," said Fajri.

He said strengthening digital literacy and building a massive internet connection infrastructure in Mentawai Regency is a must. Moreover, Mentawai is one of the international tourist destinations that are often visited by foreign tourists.

The Queensland University of Technology graduate encouraged OJK and local governments to seize international destination opportunities as an effort to intensify the implementation of digital finance in the Mentawai Islands Regency.

"The arrival of foreign tourists in Mentawai must be an opportunity to intensify digital finance," he also said.