DIGITALBANK.ID - Amidst the rise of illegal online loans and increasing cases of digital fraud, Bank Neo Commerce (BNC) Collaborated with University of Trunojoyo Madura (UTM) to hold a financial literacy entitled “Tantangan Mengelola Keuangan di Era Digital dan Waspada Terhadap Penipuan Digital” (in translation: “Challenges of Managing Finances in the Digital Era and Being Aware of Digital Fraud”, Tuesday (28/10).

The event, attended by hundreds of students from the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), took place both in person and online, featuring Vicky Valentino Frickel, Head of Fraud Operations BNC, and Laurentin Carolin Tiara, UTM’s Outstanding Student of 2025 and a recipient of a Bank Indonesia scholarship, with M. Boy Singgih Gitayuda, S.E., M.M. as moderator.

The Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at UTM, Dr. A. Yahya Surya Winata, emphasized the importance of collaboration between academics and industry practitioners. “As academics, we hope that through events like this, practitioners can share their knowledge and insights related to industry with our students,” he said.

Yahya added that this activity marked the first step in a long-term collaboration between UTM and BNC to develop financial literacy and inclusion in Madura.

Meanwhile, Puji Agung Budiman, Head of Public Relations & Communications BNC, stated that this was BNC’s first visit to Madura to share financial literacy. “The digital era certainly makes transactions easier, but like two sides of a coin, there are unavoidable risks, such as illegal online loans, misuse of paylater, and the rise of online gambling,” said Agung.

This phenomenon, he believes, must be addressed with strong financial education so that the younger generation can distinguish between legal and illegal financial products and avoid the trap of consumer debt.

Millennials and Gen Z, Most Vulnerable to Online Loans

Data from the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII) in 2025 showed that 45.15% of millennials and 41.44% of Gen Z in Indonesia admitted to having used online loans, both legal and illegal. Generation X accounted for 11.75%, and Baby Boomers 1.65%.

The majority of online loan users earn between Rp1 million and Rp5 million, demonstrating that digital loans are not just an emergency need, but also a lifestyle necessity.

This is reinforced by the experience of UTM student Laurentin Carolin Tiara, who said many of her fellow students have become ensnared in debt due to their consumptive lifestyles. “The online loan phenomenon also occurs among students. Some of my friends applied for loans because they were short of money, but others are in debt due to their somewhat hedonistic lifestyles, she said.

Laurent admitted that many students don’t understand the difference between legal and illegal loans, making financial literacy and urgent need on campus.

BNC: Financial Literacy Is the Foundation of Independence

During the talk show, Vicky Valentino Frickel emphasized BNC’s commitment to improving public financial literacy. “Bank Neo Commerce has always played an active role in supporting government programs to improve financial literacy. We believe that financial literacy is the foundation of financial independence for the younger generation,” she said.

Vicky explained that students are the most active group in digital transactions – from e-wallets to investment platforms – but also the most vulnerable to be victim of fraud. Therefore, BNC is actively educating students, so they understand the risks of digital finance and can manage their money wisely.

Since transforming into a fully bank with digital services, BNC has consistently collaborated with various educational institutions, communities, and companies to expand the reach of financial literacy throughout Indonesia. “This noble goal would not have been achieved without the support of various parties through effective collaboration,” Vicky emphasized.

This activity also forms part of BNC’s support for the 2025 National Financial Intelligence Movement (‘Gerakan Nasional Cerdas Keuangan/GENCARKAN), and the Financial Inclusion Month (Bulan Inklusi Keuangan/BIK), series initiated by the Financial Services Authority (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan/OJK).

“We hope that in addition to offering comprehensive financial services, BNC will also remain committed to providing financial education to the wider community,” Vicky concluded.

Article’s source: https://www.digitalbank.id/digi-zy/77671456/generasi-muda-rentan-pinjol-dan-judi-online-bnc-ajak-mahasiswa-utm-bijak-kelola-uang/