OJK Cirebon head Agus Muntholib stated that future financial challenges will be increasingly complex, making it crucial for children to understand money management and the financial system early on.
He said the mini banks will help students develop money-handling skills, understand the banking system, and foster financial independence.
The program was officially launched on Wednesday at Weru 1 State Middle School, attended by 350 participants including the principal, parents, and students.
Muntholib expressed hope that the initiative would help shape financially independent students.
He explained that the program is a flagship initiative of the Cirebon Regional Financial Access Acceleration Team (TPAKD) and is part of the national One Student One Account (KEJAR) program.
The mini bank initiative is also expected to position Cirebon as a regional hub for financial literacy, benefiting nearby districts such as Indramayu, Majalengka, and Kuningan.
Additionally, the initiative aims to contribute to Cirebon’s performance in the national TPAKD awards.
As part of the launch event, officials also symbolically opened 20,000 student bank accounts and 1,734 retirement fund (DPLK) accounts for contract-based civil servants (PPPK).
Muntholib expressed optimism that the program will expand financial access across educational institutions — not only for students but also for teachers and staff.
Hafidz Iswahyudi, assistant for economy and development at the Cirebon Regional Secretary's office, said the program can teach students to manage their finances with discipline and responsibility.
He encouraged all stakeholders, including parents, guardians, and educators, to make the most of the initiative.
"With a habit of saving and practicing financial discipline, students can grow into a strong and independent generation," he said.
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Translator: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie, Fathnur Rohman
Editor: Anton Santoso
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