MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The North Sumatra Provincial Government has urged civil servants across the province, regencies and cities to improve their financial literacy, manage their income responsibly and choose legitimate investments to secure their long-term financial future. It also warned them to be wary of schemes promising high returns in a short period without clearly explaining the associated risks.
The appeal was delivered by acting North Sumatra Regional Secretary Timur Tumanggor during an event marking
Financial Inclusion Month 2026. The event took place on Thursday, 22 October 2026, at the Raja Inal Siregar Hall at the North Sumatra Governor's Office, Jalan Diponegoro No. 30, Medan. He reminded civil servants to check the legality of investment products and choose only financial instruments registered with and supervised by Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan, OJK).
According to Timur, the ability to manage personal and family finances is an important part of professional conduct among civil servants. Monthly salaries should cover not only daily expenses but also children's education, healthcare, emergency savings and retirement provision.
"Civil servants play a strategically important role in regional development. However, professional and productive employees must also be able to manage their personal and family finances prudently. Monthly salaries should be used responsibly rather than spent entirely on short-term needs," Timur said.
Plan Income and Secure the Future
Financial Inclusion Month 2026 was held under the theme Financially Literate Civil Servants, Wise Investments and Prosperity for the Future. Its sub-theme was Understanding Legal Investments, Recognising Risks and Investing Responsibly.
Through the event, the North Sumatra Provincial Government aims to encourage civil servants to understand the fundamentals of sound financial planning and familiarise themselves with different investment options before committing their money. This knowledge is intended to help them make informed decisions rather than simply follow trends or be persuaded by promises of high returns.
Timur stressed the importance of budgeting and financial discipline. Civil servants should distinguish between essential expenses and personal wants, keep spending within their means and set aside part of their income for future needs.
He added that investment decisions should be based on a sound understanding of the products, a realistic assessment of risk, personal financial goals and the intended investment period. Potential returns should never be considered without taking possible losses into account.
He also emphasised that responsible financial management begins at home. Savings for emergencies, children's education, healthcare and retirement can help families cope with economic changes without relying entirely on their monthly salaries.
"A family's prosperity depends not only on the amount of income it earns but also on how well that income is managed. Financially secure civil servants can carry out their duties with greater peace of mind, productivity, professionalism and integrity," he added.
FINANCIAL EDUCATION FOR CIVIL SERVANTS: Evan Botung Daulay, head of the Economic Bureau at the North Sumatra Provincial Secretariat, explains the importance of improving financial literacy to help civil servants recognise risks and avoid financial crime. (PHOTO: Alexander AP Siahaan)
Warning Against Illegal Investments and Online Gambling
Alongside promoting saving and investment, the provincial government highlighted the risks posed by illegal investment schemes and online gambling. Both can undermine the financial stability of individuals and families, particularly when people lack sufficient knowledge of the potential consequences.
Before depositing money, civil servants should verify the legal status of the financial institution and the product being offered. They should also understand how the investment works, its transaction terms, potential returns and risk of loss. Unrealistic profit promises, pressure to deposit money immediately and a lack of transparent information should be treated as warning signs.
Checking authorisation through the OJK's official information channels can help reduce the risk of falling victim to unlawful financial offers. Civil servants should also be cautious when providers use the name of a licensed financial institution to market products whose legal status is unclear.
Evan Botung Daulay, head of the Economic Bureau at the North Sumatra Provincial Secretariat, said the event was intended to strengthen civil servants' financial knowledge and literacy. With a better understanding of financial matters, they should be better equipped to recognise different forms of financial crime and avoid harmful financial decisions.
Improved financial literacy can also help civil servants assess promotional claims more critically, particularly when advertisements emphasise potential gains while downplaying risks.
Strengthening Financial Education Through Partnerships
To broaden participants' understanding, the
North Sumatra Provincial Government invited experts from several banking and capital market institutions. Speakers included representatives of PT Bank Sumut, PT Pegadaian, PT Mandiri Sekuritas and the Indonesia Stock Exchange (Bursa Efek Indonesia), through its North Sumatra regional office.
Their presentations were intended to provide a broader understanding of investment instruments, risk management and the importance of considering personal financial circumstances when making investment decisions. This knowledge should help civil servants compare financial products and choose options suited to their needs and financial capacity.
The provincial government is also promoting cooperation with the OJK, Bank Indonesia and other relevant financial institutions to expand financial education and encourage more responsible money management.
Financial Inclusion Month 2026 is intended not only to improve civil servants' knowledge but also to encourage lasting changes in their financial habits. These include planning income and expenditure systematically, building savings for long-term needs, understanding investment risks and avoiding financially harmful practices.
Sound financial planning can help civil servants maintain their families' economic stability while supporting their productivity in public service. By strengthening financial literacy, they are expected to make more considered investment decisions, protect their income and build long-term financial security.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala