MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The North Sumatra Provincial Government (Sumatera Utara) is promoting stronger saving habits and financial literacy from an early age. The initiative is aimed at strengthening both the personal development and economic resilience of the younger generation. Responsible money management is considered an important foundation for helping children become better prepared to face future economic challenges.
North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya made the statement while attending the central event marking
Hari Indonesia Menabung (Indonesia Savings Day) at Integrated Public School 2 on Jalan Flamboyan in Medan on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Surya emphasized that saving is not merely about setting aside part of one's money, but also serves as a means of building character. By developing the habit, children can learn discipline, responsibility and patience while also learning how to plan for the future.
"Saving may seem simple, but it is precisely through this habit that discipline, responsibility, patience and the ability to plan for the future are developed. There is no need to wait until you have a lot of money. Saving can begin regularly with small amounts," Surya said.
Financial Literacy as a Foundation for the Younger Generation
According to Surya,
Hari Indonesia Menabung should not be limited to an annual ceremonial event. Instead, the government must use the occasion to encourage responsible financial behavior among children from an early age.
He cited the results of the 2025 National Survey of Financial Literacy and Inclusion conducted by the Financial Services Authority (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan/OJK) in cooperation with Statistics Indonesia (Badan Pusat Statistik/BPS). The survey recorded a national financial literacy index of 66.46 percent, while the financial inclusion index reached 80.51 percent.
Surya said that greater public access to various financial services must be accompanied by a corresponding increase in financial knowledge. Without adequate understanding, easy access to financial products and services could even expose people to fraud, dubious investment offers and illegal lending schemes.
He therefore called for continuous efforts to strengthen financial literacy, particularly among students. Children need to understand how financial products should be used properly and what risks may be associated with individual transactions.
The
North Sumatra Provincial Government also acknowledged the achievements of the Provincial Team for the Acceleration of Access to Financial Services (TPAKD Sumut) in expanding financial access for students. In 2025, TPAKD Sumut opened 3,516 student accounts through the Siswa Teladan program, which was implemented at 10 schools.
In addition to opening accounts for students, TPAKD Sumut held financial literacy sessions in 23 regencies and cities across the province, reaching 23,414 students. The activities were part of efforts to provide young people with broader knowledge about responsible money management.
STUDENT SAVINGS PROGRAM INTRODUCED:
Bank Sumut President and CEO Heru Merdiansyah explains that Simpanan Pelajar (Simpel) is designed to introduce children to formal banking services while encouraging responsible money management from an early age. (PHOTO: YT. Hariono)
Bank Sumut Expands Financial Education in Schools
Bank Sumut President and CEO Heru Merdiansyah reaffirmed the bank's commitment to strengthening
financial literacy and inclusion through its Simpanan Pelajar, or Simpel, student savings program.
As of August 2026, Bank Sumut had conducted 155 financial literacy events at 143 schools. The activities targeted students ranging from kindergarten to senior high school and were supported by 68 Bank Sumut branches.
Heru said
Bank Sumut does more than introduce savings products to students. Simpel is also used as an educational tool to familiarize children with formal banking services. The program is likewise intended to encourage children to develop responsible financial habits.
"For Bank Sumut, Simpel is not merely a savings product, but a tool to introduce children to formal banking services while promoting responsible financial behavior. Going forward, the educational content will be expanded to include an introduction to digital services, QRIS and transaction security," Heru said.
The expansion of the educational content is considered important amid changing payment habits. Children and teenagers are increasingly exposed to digital financial services. They therefore need to learn from an early age how to conduct transactions safely and use QRIS and digital banking services responsibly.
Heru expressed hope that exposure to formal financial services in the school environment would establish positive habits that remain with children into adulthood. Students should not only have a bank account, but also understand its function and recognize their responsibilities when using financial services.
FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR STUDENTS: Head of the North Sumatra
OJK office Triyoga Laksito explains the KEJAR initiative (Satu Rekening Satu Pelajar – One Account for Every Student) as part of efforts to expand access to financial services while improving
financial literacy among students. (PHOTO: YT. Hariono)
OJK Targets 98 Percent Financial Inclusion
The head of the North Sumatra
OJK office, Triyoga Laksito, said strengthening
saving habits is an important part of the national agenda to improve
financial literacy and inclusion.
Triyoga said national financial inclusion currently stands at 88.7 percent, while financial literacy has reached 65.43 percent. OJK aims to increase financial inclusion to 90 percent in the short term and to 98 percent by 2045. The target coincides with Indonesia's aspiration to realize the so-called "Golden Indonesia."
According to Triyoga,
OJK continues to support the national KEJAR initiative (Satu Rekening Satu Pelajar – One Account for Every Student). The program aims to expand bank account ownership among students while simultaneously providing them with financial knowledge.
"Through the national KEJAR initiative, or One Account for Every Student, OJK has facilitated the opening of tens of millions of educational accounts for students nationwide. Saving in banks benefits not only individuals, as the funds can also serve as capital for local entrepreneurs who drive economic development," Triyoga explained.
He said saving has far-reaching economic implications. Funds deposited by people with financial institutions can support the financing of various productive activities, including businesses and enterprises operated by local communities.
A strong saving culture, therefore, benefits not only individuals but can also strengthen the economic cycle. This understanding needs to be instilled in students so that they view saving as part of sound financial behavior with long-term benefits.
Meanwhile, Integrated Public School 2 was among the educational institutions receiving special attention during the event. Maragoti, head of the secondary school division at Integrated Public School 2, said the school currently serves 434 elementary and secondary-level students. The school community as a whole comprises 569 people.
The school provides educational opportunities for children from low-income families registered in the Integrated Social Welfare Data (Data Terpadu Kesejahteraan Sosial). It does not accept general enrollment. Instead, the school specifically reaches out to children who require special educational support.
"We do not accept general enrollment. Instead, we specifically seek out children who are at risk of dropping out, are psychosocially vulnerable or require special assistance. This is a collective effort to secure their future," Maragoti said.
Maragoti explained that the approach is part of the school's efforts to provide educational opportunities to children facing various challenges. In addition to formal education, students receive support designed to help them build confidence and prepare for their future.
On the occasion, Maragoti also shared the story of one of his students, Muhammad Rizky Pratama, a boy from Belawan who works hard selling fish to make a living.
Rizky's perseverance attracted so much attention that he received a special invitation from the President of the Republic of Indonesia to attend the celebrations marking Indonesia's 81st Independence Anniversary in Jakarta.
His story demonstrates how education, character building and support from various sectors of society can open new opportunities for children from low-income families to develop their abilities and potential.
Strengthening saving habits in schools should therefore go beyond simply opening a bank account. The government, banks, OJK and educational institutions must continuously improve students' understanding so that they can manage money responsibly, recognize the risks associated with financial services, and use financial products safely and responsibly.
Through habits established from childhood, North Sumatra hopes the younger generation will develop a stronger financial foundation as well as disciplined character, enabling them to better address future economic needs and challenges.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala