The development of financial technology (FinTech) has expanded not only public access to lending services but also facilitated financial transactions, both in cash and installment-based. In line with this growth, the Financial Services Authority (OJK) has issued several regulations, from POJK No. 13/2018 on Digital Financial Innovation to POJK No. 40/2024 on Information Technology-Based Co-Funding Services, to enhance oversight of FinTech operations.
FinTech business growth in Indonesia continues to move in a positive direction, although the sector remains relatively small compared to the banking industry. This development encourages academics to study FinTech user behavior and disseminate the findings to students as part of academic learning.
As part of this dissemination effort, lecturers from the Development Economics Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) deliver a public lecture entitled “FinTech User Behavior in Central Java and Monetary Policy Responses” on Saturday, 1 November 2025 at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Tidar (UNTIDAR). The event is attended by approximately 80 participants consisting of lecturers and students.
The Head of the Development Economics Study Program, FEB UNTIDAR, Dr. Emma Dwi Ratnasari, S.E., M.Si., conveys appreciation for the inter-university collaboration that supports the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. “Public lectures such as this serve as an important platform for sharing research findings and enhancing students’ perspectives through direct engagement with researchers,” she said in her remarks.
Ika Alicia Sasanti, S.E., M.E., a lecturer of Development Economics at FEB UNS, in her presentation highlights the importance of accurate FinTech literacy for students in the digital era. She emphasizes that FinTech platforms currently operating are regulated by OJK and may serve as relevant topics for academic inquiry. “Students need to understand both the opportunities and risks of FinTech to make productive use of it. A repayment compliance rate exceeding 90 percent shows that the community is becoming more responsible in meeting its financial obligations,” she explained.
She further emphasizes the need for sound business governance and data security to support healthy digital financial inclusion, and she points out the importance of monetary policy that adapts to future developments in the FinTech landscape.
Following this, Malik Cahyadin, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., a lecturer of Development Economics at FEB UNS, presents findings from his research on FinTech user behavior in the Province of Central Java, funded by the UNS Institute for Research and Community Engagement (LPPM) in 2025. The study is conducted from July to early August 2025 with 585 respondents consisting of formal workers and micro-entrepreneurs.
Survey results show that 61.03 percent of respondents are female, 56.41 percent are senior high school graduates, and the majority are aged 17–25 years. Malik explains that financial technology adoption, installment repayment ability, and trust level influence FinTech transaction intensity positively. In contrast, age and gender influence transaction levels negatively. “Beyond literacy, OJK and FinTech service providers must ensure that digital financial services operate in a trustworthy and secure manner. Bank Indonesia should also consider the implications of FinTech for money supply and inflation,” he noted.
This public lecture strengthens academic collaboration between higher education institutions and serves as a platform for integrating research outputs into student learning on digital economics. The dissemination of this research also contributes to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), by promoting financial literacy, digital inclusion, and improved financial governance.
He also expresses hope that the outcomes of the workshop will contribute meaningfully to improving BUMD governance in Central Java, ultimately supporting regional development.
“Ensuring effective implementation of GCG requires commitment from regional leaders so that the principles of good governance are internalized across all corporate organs, from the supervisory board and directors to staff members,” Buyung states.
“There are two main objectives of this activity: improving the quality of graduates and enhancing the quality of curriculum and learning experiences. The academic and curricular information presented in this handbook will help students to graduate on time, acquire knowledge and skills relevant to the job market, and ensure a meaningful and enjoyable learning experience at FEB UNS,” she explained.
Through the launch of this Academic Handbook, FEB UNS hopes that all students can follow a clearer academic path, understand their rights and responsibilities, and make full use of the available learning facilities. This initiative also reaffirms FEB UNS’s commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly 
In his opening remarks, Prof. Doddy Setiawan, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., Ak., Head of the Accounting Study Program, emphasized the need for a platform to enhance students’ knowledge on research activity, particularly in public sector accounting. He further stated, “We hope you can understand that both qualitative and quantitative approaches are equally important. Each offers a different perspective, but together they provide a more complete picture. Hopefully, this activity will help students complete their studies on time and even publish reputable publications, such as those indexed in Sinta 2 or Scopus.”
He further explained that research is not merely about collecting data but about engaging in critical and creative thinking to discover new insights. “Research is about seeing what everyone else sees, but thinking about what others do not,” he remarked.
The second session was delivered by Taufiq Arifin, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., Ak., who presented material on “Generating Research Ideas.” In this occasion, he encouraged students to learn on how to produce high-impact research by identifying research gaps, observing contemporary issues, and utilizing diverse data sources, including text data such as public reports, speeches, and social media. He also highlighted that impactful research should not only focus on academic achievement but also contribute meaningfully to science and society.
Through this general lecture, participants were introduced to modern research approaches, including textual analysis in public financial reports, qualitative data exploration through interviews and focus group discussions, and the integration of findings to address challenges in public sector governance.
The event is attended by BKKBN officials, the Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, Internationalization, and Information, Prof. Irwan Trinugroho, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., along with students from various study programs.
Dr. Bonivasius also highlights the critical role of students and youth in supporting BKKBN’s strategic programs, including the Foster Parents Movement to Prevent Stunting (GENTING)—family assistance and stunting prevention through education and monitoring; Taman Asuh Sayang Anak (TAMASYA)—parenting education and community-based daycare management; Indonesian Exemplary Fathers Movement (GATI)—premarital education and quality family development; and SIDAYA (Empowered Elderly)—elderly assistance and care training through an aged-care approach.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Sinto Sunaryo, S.E., M.Si., SHRM.CP., Head of the Management Study Program, explains that the practitioner lecture serves as a regular academic agenda designed to bridge theoretical knowledge with professional practice. “Students are expected to gain direct insights from practitioners to understand how theories are applied in real-world contexts, particularly in the field of leadership,” she states.
Vice Dean for Student and Alumni Affairs, Tastaftiyan Risfandy, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., expressed appreciation for the successful implementation of various student activities throughout the year, including Management Carnival organized by HMJM (Management Study Program Student Association), ALCOFE by HMJEP (Development Economics Study Program Student Association), and ACTIVE by HMJA (Accounting Study Program Student Association), among others. “These (student annual) event have reached their peak, and I truly understand how much effort it took to make them happen. My highest appreciation goes to all of you,” said Tastaftiyan.
The forum also discussed several strategic matters, including the mechanism for student surveys, reservation policy for room and/or facilities, and plans for UKM office renovation. Representatives from UKMs proposed that all Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) related to Ormawa operation and activities be made publicly accessible, and that any changes in regulations or Organizational Structure and Work Procedures (SOTK) are disseminated through joint forums to avoid miscommunication and ensure seamless coordination of student activities.
In her remarks, Prof. Tri Mulyaningsih explained that the discussion marked an important step in facilitating the MESP Program’s preparation to launch its RPL track. She stated, “RPL is the acknowledgment of learning outcomes acquired through prior professional experience. FEB has gained experience in managing RPL at the undergraduate level, such as in the Accounting Study Program that admitted students from the Financial and Development Supervisory Board (BPKP). For the master’s level, we are designing an RPL model based on credit recognition through professional portfolios rather than mere credit transfers.”
He added that the RPL model in MESP will open opportunities for graduates from both Economics and non-Economics undergraduate programs with at least three years of work experience, particularly in planning, public policy, or regional economics. Through an assessment and portfolio-based mechanism, participants’ professional experiences will be recognized as part of their learning outcomes in accordance with academic standards.
Through this curriculum draft discussion, the MESP Program is expected to open the RPL track in the even semester of the 2025/2026 academic year. The program aims to expand access to higher education for professionals while contributing to the enhancement of human resource capacity in economic planning and policy development.