Bridging the Future: A Financial Literacy Intervention for Adolescents

Abstract

The impact of this lack of financial literacy and free time management is not only economic but also has serious social consequences. A worrying fact is that a small number of teenagers in Karangploso admitted to being trapped in illegal online loans (pinjol). This debt trap stems from the habit of playing online games together (mabar) that require the purchase of in-game items, as well as a culture of impulsive shopping through various marketplaces. The economic burden and pressure from debt collectors then create a State of Uncertainty (KTD) and trigger severe tension in certain families, demonstrating how individual problems quickly escalate into family and community issues. Karangploso Village, with its tourism and cultural potential, provides an ideal platform for implementing such interventions. The "Bridging the Future: A Financial Literacy Intervention for Adolescents" program offers an integrated solution. It aims to create a space for adolescents to self-actualize, equip them with comprehensive financial literacy and applicable digital business skills, and foster leadership and mental resilience. The financial intelligence training intervention has proven effective in improving financial literacy and awareness among adolescents in Karangploso Village. This program has successfully created a space for early actualization for adolescents to discuss and plan their financial future more seriously, which is a crucial first step in preventing impulsive financial behavior and vulnerability to the trap of illegal online loans.