Sarcouncil Journal of Humanities and Cultural Studies

Abstract: The rapid expansion of digital financial platforms has increased community exposure to online gambling and illegal online lending, particularly in rural and semi-rural areas. Low levels of financial literacy have intensified community vulnerability to these digital financial risks, leading to household financial instability and social challenges. This study aims to examine the implementation and outcomes of a community service program designed to strengthen financial literacy as a preventive instrument against online gambling and illegal online lending in Kerinci Regency, Indonesia. The program employed a community-based approach and was implemented across seven villages: Pelak Gedang, Bunga Tanjung, Pauh Tinggi, Baru Semerah, Sungai Lebuh, Pulau Tengah, and Ujung Pasir. The implementation stages included planning, preliminary assessment, participatory financial literacy education, community engagement, and qualitative evaluation. Educational activities focused on household financial planning, responsible debt management, identification of illegal online lending schemes, and awareness of the financial and social risks of online gambling. The results indicate that the program successfully improved community financial awareness, enhanced understanding of digital financial risks, and strengthened preventive attitudes toward high-risk financial behaviors. Participants demonstrated better financial decision-making, increased caution toward illegal online lending, and stronger resistance to online gambling practices. The village-based participatory approach also fostered collective awareness and ethical financial behavior at the community level. This community service program provides practical evidence that financial literacy education can play a strategic role in mitigating digital financial risks and promoting sustainable financial well-being in the digital era.