The Research Group (RG) Governance and Corporate Finance of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta conducted a community service initiative by providing digital finance education to junior high school students. This activity was held in collaboration with SMP Negeri 1 Depok, Sleman, Yogyakarta Special Region, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

The program was led by Prof. Irwan Trinugroho S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., and included members Putra Pamungkas, S.E., M.Rech., Ph.D., Aldy Fariz Achsanta S.E., M.Rech., Ph.D., Linggar Ikhsan Nugroho, S.E., M.Ec.Dev., Nugroho Saputro, S.E., M.Ec.Dev., Dr. Etikah Karyani S.E. Ak., M.S.M., CA., CMA., Fadli Septianto S.E., M.S.M., and Dewanti Cahyaningsih S.E., M.Rech.

This initiative aimed to introduce students to the concept of digital finance, which is increasingly integrated into daily life—especially in today’s era of digital transformation and ecosystems. It also supports the 4th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), which is Quality Education.

The session opened with remarks from Maridi, S.Pd., Vice Principal for Curriculum at SMP Negeri 1 Depok, Sleman.

“We are grateful to FEB UNS for choosing our school for this digital finance education program. I believe this is a crucial provision for our students to use technology wisely,” said Maridi.

The educational session featured Linggar Ikhsan Nugroho, S.E., M.Ec.Dev., a lecturer in the Development Economics Study Program at FEB UNS and a member of RG Governance and Corporate Finance, as the speaker. Linggar presented material on Introduction to Financial Technology (Fintech), emphasizing the importance of early understanding of financial and digital literacy. He noted that many junior high school students are already using fintech in daily life—such as making payments via e-wallets—whether consciously or not.

“At a young age like that of the students at SMP Negeri 1 Depok, Sleman, it’s very important to understand fintech products and services—from grasping basic business concepts to recognizing the benefits and potential risks of using fintech unwisely,” Linggar explained.

The interactive approach and use of simple case studies made the session engaging, with students actively participating and asking questions.

Through this community service activity, RG Governance and Corporate Finance FEB UNS hopes to equip students of SMP Negeri 1 Depok, Sleman with strong digital skills and financial literacy, enabling them to use technological advancements wisely and responsibly.