Jakarta, 20 June 2024 – In the commemorative month of World Awareness Day, observed on 7 June, and as part of the commitment to enhancing inclusivity by providing broader access to financial literacy across all societal levels, PT Bank OCBC NISP Tbk (OCBC) is proud to unveil its newest initiative: “Everyone Can #FinanciallyFit: Disability Without Limits - Semua Bisa #FinanciallyFit: Disabilitas Menyala Tanpa Batas”. This program is meticulously crafted to broaden opportunities for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to gain access to essential financial knowledge and resources. It ensures that every person, without exception, is empowered to manage their finances more effectively and independently.

Individuals with disabilities frequently encounter obstacles in accessing sufficient financial resources and education. A survey conducted by Menembus Batas in January 2024 revealed that 55.3% of respondents with disabilities had limited or no exposure to financial literacy, particularly concerning financial products, despite a widespread recognition of the importance of financial management.

Aleta Hanafi, Brand & Communication Division Head OCBC, said “Semua Bisa #FinanciallyFit: Disabilitas Menyala Tanpa Batas' represents one aspect of our CSR program within the education pillar. We are committed to the notion that adequate financial literacy is pivotal, enabling each individual to achieve their life's financial goals.”

Furthermore, she added, “We actively collaborate with non-profit organizations and the disability community to further enhance and refine our financial education programs designed specifically for individuals with disabilities.”

Aligned with the OJK's guidance outlined in their national strategy, which focuses on encouraging companies to fortify strategic collaborations with diverse stakeholders to implement financial education initiatives tailored for persons with disabilities, a tangible example was demonstrated through the Financial Education Board Game program. This initiative, facilitated by OCBC volunteers at a Special Needs High School (SMALB) in Jakarta, served as the inspiration for OCBC to create Ruangmenyala.com, a platform designed to be accessible and accommodating for individuals with disabilities.

“We hold the conviction that financial literacy does not have to be mundane. Through Ruangmenyala.com, individuals with disabilities can embark on the #FinanciallyFit journey via an array of workshops, webinars, and educational resources tailored specifically to their needs. This approach amalgamates technology with suitable teaching methodologies to ensure accessibility and engagement.," said Amir Widjaya, Executive Director Marketing & Lifestyle Business OCBC.

Amir added that, “Ruangmenyala.com represents a collective ecosystem designed to provide comprehensive access to financial literacy for everyone. Since its inception in 2021, RuangMenyala.com has amassed a membership of 141,577. Beyond the educational offerings of RuangMenyala, our services extend to personalized advice from a Financial Coach, bolstered by unrestricted, complimentary access to RuangMenyala, Financial Check-Ups, and educational insights into a broad spectrum of financial products. This strategic approach enables individuals with disabilities to avail themselves of our NYALA products and services, facilitating savings and investments, whilst catering to achieve their respective aspirational financial goals (lifegoals)."

This year, we have endeavored to expand the reach of Ruang Menyala to include individuals with disabilities, focusing on imparting the fundamentals of personal financial management. These fundamentals encompass budgeting, debt management, investment, and future planning. Our approach includes:

• Offering both online and in-person classes, supported by sign language interpreters, to ensure a comfortable and accessible learning environment for individuals with disabilities,
• Providing educational videos that are augmented with sign language translation and subtitles, aiming to facilitate a better understanding of financial management concepts,
• Introducing the #FinanciallyFit audiobook derived from the ‘12 PILLARS OF #FINANCIALLYFIT’ book, specifically tailored to address the needs of people with visual impairments.

Angkie Yudistia, the Special Staff to the President of the Republic of Indonesia, a sociopreneur, and an author who attended the event, expressed appreciation for the program. She highlighted that “Persons with Disabilities, a group that is particularly vulnerable and which exhibits a low literacy index, have not been adequately prioritized as targets for educational endeavors. This oversight is attributed to challenges in advancing financial literacy, especially among segments that remain elusive even through digitalization efforts, such as individuals not involved with specific associations or communities, including friends with disabilities. Echoing the insights from a Menembus Batas survey conducted in January 2024, it appears that a majority of the population lacks financial knowledge. The cornerstone for improvement, as Yudistia emphasized, is the synergy between governmental bodies and the private sector in ensuring accessible financial education for all. She strongly advocated that financial well-being is crucial not only for personal success but also plays an integral role in achieving the vision of a Indonesia Emas by 2045.

This event was also attended by Dante Rigmalia, Chairperson of the National Commission on Disabilities (KND). She emphasized the KND's commitment to ensuring and overseeing the implementation of respect, protection, and the fulfillment of rights for individuals with disabilities. Consequently, the KND diligently works to monitor and evaluate, as well as to actively advocate for and collaborate with stakeholders across all sectors, including organizations representing individuals with disabilities, to secure equal access to education for them.

About OCBC
PT Bank OCBC NISP Tbk ‘OCBC’ was established in Bandung in 1941 under the name Nederlandsch Indische Spaar en Deposito Bank. Over its 83-year journey, the Bank has undergone several name changes, from 'Bank NISP' to 'Bank OCBC NISP', and subsequently to 'OCBC' on November 14, 2023. As of June 30, 2024, OCBC serves customers through 200 office networks in 54 cities in Indonesia. Furthermore, customers can conduct transaction through the Bank's 492 ATMs, more than 90,000 ATM networks in Indonesia, and access more than 580 OCBC Group ATMs in Singapore and Malaysia. OCBC also serves customers through various digital channels, including mobile banking and internet banking – for both for individuals and corporations. OCBC is one of the banks with the highest credit ratings in Indonesia, namely AAA(_idn)/stable by PT Fitch Ratings Indonesia.