Financial Literacy Webinar Equips Refugees with Financial Management Skills

The ability to manage finances is an important skill in daily life. This skill helps individuals manage expenses, determine priorities, and plan for the future more effectively. For this reason, Human Initiative, together with Citi Indonesia, held the Financial Literacy Webinar: Personal Financial Management for Refugees on Tuesday, 2 June 2026.

According to data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), around 11,900 refugees and asylum seekers were registered in Indonesia in 2025. Some of them are still going through a waiting period before having the opportunity to continue their lives in a destination country.

Through this collaboration, Human Initiative and Citi Indonesia support 220 refugees through various assistance programs. These programs include shelter support, skills development through online learning platforms, and opportunities to take the IELTS General Training test. In addition, both parties also encourage improved financial literacy as part of efforts to strengthen the capacity of refugees so they can become more empowered, adaptive, and self reliant.

Financial Literacy as a Foundation for Self Reliance

Through this activity, refugees learned the basics of financial literacy from Citi Volunteers, namely Maryam Umar, Risk Management Country Officer at Citi Indonesia, and Lucia Taniar, Audit Manager at Citi Indonesia. The materials covered budgeting, expense tracking, and interactive discussions on ways to increase income through the talents and interests of the refugees. Participants also learned how to manage finances according to their needs and the conditions they face.

In his remarks, Hario Widyananto, Country Head of Public Affairs at Citi Indonesia, emphasized that financial literacy is relevant knowledge for people from all walks of life.

“Financial literacy is basic knowledge that is very important for individuals from various backgrounds. It is not only for those working in financial institutions or businesses, but also for homemakers, individuals who are seeking employment, and those working in the informal sector,” said Hario.

Meanwhile, participants joined the session enthusiastically and actively took part in the discussion. Samsuryani Mustari, Manager of Program Management at Human Initiative, emphasized the importance of financial literacy for every individual.

“Financial literacy is not only about how much money we have, but also about how we can manage it wisely and properly. From the financial literacy sessions we have held previously, we have seen a lot of positive feedback from participants. This shows that the materials delivered by the speakers are highly relevant and beneficial for them,” she said.

Through this collaboration, Human Initiative and Citi Indonesia hope that refugees will gain the knowledge and skills needed to become more empowered, adaptive, and self reliant.

Every learning opportunity can open the door to a better future. Therefore, collaboration among various stakeholders is essential to expand access to knowledge and skills for communities in need. Let us work together to broaden the impact of kindness for more beneficiaries through humanitarian and empowerment programs.