PORTALJABAR, DISTRICT. GARUT - The Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Garut Regency, Nurdin Yana, expressed his support for the implementation of the Inclusive Financial Ecosystem Program (EKI) in the Sindangkasih Tourism Village, as an effort to increase financial inclusion in the community.

This was conveyed during a celebration at the EKI launch and MSME training event in Sukamaju Village, Cilawu District, Monday (5/8/2024).

Nurdin emphasized that community welfare is a big responsibility that must be taken into account by all parties. He thanked the Financial Services Authority (OJK) for initiating this program, and hoped that people would be serious about taking training and assistance from OJK Tasikmalaya, especially in the midst of rapid technological developments, people cannot continue to rely on conventional things.

Nurdin also said that this program would provide many benefits for participants, especially in terms of financial literacy.

He emphasized the importance of relationships between the public and financial institutions to increase trust and obtain banking support.

"It is possible that they are already familiar with financial institutions. It is possible that when you and your father face problems related to financial needs, they can communicate and build a relationship between us, which creates trust," he said.

Meanwhile, Head of the Tasikmalaya OJK Consumer Education and Protection Center (PEPK), Dendy Juandi, explained that the EKI program would involve various parties, including banks and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) such as Mercy Corps Indonesia.

This program aims to increase financial inclusion as a whole, not only focusing on MSMEs but also school students through the student savings program.

"So starting from childhood, we educate people about financial inclusion, so that when they are far away they can take them to school by saving money," said Dendy.

EKI is an inclusive ecosystem. His party, added Dendy, will educate the public about financial products such as savings, deposits and credit.

Dendy added that the EKI program will continue until the end of 2024 and it is hoped that it can be implemented in other villages if it is successful. During the mentoring, the EKI team will present resource persons regarding marketing and various other needs, including online marketing training. (Diskominfo Garut/Fauziah)