ULAMA AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION NEEDS OF RURAL COMMUNITY: STUDY IN WEST JAVA, INDONESIA

Abstrak

Ulama has been only identic with religious lectures and activities. In the rural areas, Ulama have turned out to be a source of reference for addressing various issues. Until now, in this era of digital media, Ulama still have an influence to mobilize the masses. In this regard, Ulama need to be considered to participate in successing national development programs and become agents of change in the diffusion of innovation. They can be empowered in order to improve the knowledge of rural communities. Rural communities need ulama as opinion leaders or information legitimators, especially in the era of digital media that is developing today. They are needed in fulfilling community information needs, including the field of finance and banking.

This study aims to explore the role and function of ulama in improving literacy on finance in rural communities. The research location is Cianjur and Cirebon. Survey conducted on eight Ulamas and 32 Quran reading community members. The results showed that the biggest problem related to the financial problems experienced by rural communities is the problem of loan sharks and the debt bondage system. Rural communities need to consult and intensify their financial literacy. Ulama can provide information about the issue from the religious side only but have not been able to provide a real solution to overcome this financial problem.