UNS — The Governance and Corporate Finance Research Group (RG) from the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), held a digital financial education program for junior high school students. This community service activity was conducted in collaboration with SMP Negeri 1 Depok, Sleman, Yogyakarta Special Region, on Wednesday (30/4/2025).
Led by Prof. Irwan Trinugroho, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., the program involved several faculty members. They were Putra Pamungkas, S.E., M.Rech., Ph.D.; Aldy Fariz Achsanta, S.E., M.Rech., Ph.D.; and Linggar Ikhsan Nugroho, S.E., M.Ec.Dev. It also included Nugroho Saputro, S.E., M.Ec.Dev.; Dr. Etikah Karyani, S.E., Ak., M.S.M., CA., CMA.; Fadli Septianto, S.E., M.S.M. Dewanti Cahyaningsih, S.E., M.Rech. also participated in the session.
Introducing Digital Finance to Students
The initiative aimed to introduce students to the concept of digital finance. Digital finance plays an essential role in daily life, especially during the ongoing digital transformation. Moreover, the program supports the fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG): Quality Education.
Maridi, S.Pd., Vice Principal for Curriculum Affairs at SMP Negeri 1 Depok, welcomed the UNS team. He expressed appreciation for selecting their school as the program’s venue. “We are grateful to FEB UNS for this opportunity. I believe it is vital to equip our students with the knowledge to use technology wisely,” Maridi stated.
The session featured Linggar Ikhsan Nugroho, S.E., M.Ec.Dev., a Development Economics lecturer at FEB UNS and a member of the research group. He delivered a presentation titled Introduction to Financial Technology (Fintech).
Linggar emphasized the importance of developing financial and digital literacy from an early age. He noted that many students already use financial technology tools, such as e-wallets, in their daily lives. Often, they do so without fully realizing it.
“At a young age, it’s crucial to understand fintech products and services. This includes learning basic business concepts and recognizing both the benefits and potential risks of misuse,” he explained.
Engaging Approach to Financial Literacy
The session used interactive methods and simple case studies to spark student interest. As a result, students participated actively and asked questions throughout the discussion.
Through this initiative, the RG Governance and Corporate Finance team at FEB UNS aims to support students at SMP Negeri 1 Depok. The goal is to help them become digitally literate and financially responsible individuals. These skills will prepare them to navigate the fast-changing technological landscape wisely. HUMAS UNS
