Japanese Literature Department of FIB Unhas Collaborates with Pegadaian to Promote Financial Literacy Among Students
Makassar - The Department of Japanese Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Hasanuddin University, in collaboration with PT Pegadaian Bontoala Branch, organized a financial literacy seminar entitled “Indonesia Mengajar: Managing Finances in the Digital Era.” Held at Prof. Mattulada Hall on Thursday (December 11), the event aimed to enhance students’ understanding of financial management and equip them with the knowledge needed to navigate financial challenges in today’s digital landscape.
The seminar featured Rusli Basri, Head of PT Pegadaian Bontoala Branch, as the keynote speaker. In his presentation, he emphasized the importance of financial literacy for young people, particularly university students, who are increasingly exposed to both the opportunities and risks brought about by rapid digital transformation.
Rusli highlighted the growing complexity of financial challenges in the digital age. While technological advancements and internet accessibility have created new opportunities, they have also introduced various financial risks. He pointed to the increasing prevalence of online gaming, digital content consumption, and online gambling, which have become major concerns, especially among younger generations.
According to Rusli, inadequate financial literacy can leave individuals vulnerable to harmful financial behaviors and poor decision-making. He also presented data on internet penetration growth and the substantial volume of transactions associated with online gambling, explaining that such activities can have serious economic and social consequences, including financial distress, mental health issues, family conflicts, and other societal problems.
In addition, the session provided students with an overview of online lending services, including the differences between legal and illegal lending platforms. Rusli encouraged participants to verify the legality of financial service providers through the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and to remain cautious of instant loan offers frequently promoted on social media.
The seminar also introduced several initiatives and services offered by Pegadaian, including the Pegadaian Peduli program and educational opportunities related to gold investment. Rusli explained that gold can serve as a relatively stable, secure, and liquid long-term investment instrument for individuals seeking to strengthen their financial planning.
Through this collaboration, the Department of Japanese Literature of FIB Unhas hopes to strengthen students’ financial literacy, encourage responsible financial management, and prepare them to face the economic and digital challenges of the future with greater confidence and awareness.
