JurnalPost.com - The ability to speak in public or public speaking is an essential skill in modern life. Someone who can convey a message with confidence, use engaging language, and build rapport with an audience is usually more successful in gaining attention and trust.
However, the ability to speak persuasively does not always guarantee that the information provided is accurate. In financial matters, trust given without adequate understanding can lead to significant losses.
The case of Indra Kesuma, better known as Indra Kenz, is a prime example of how an image of success and the ability to exert influence on social media can sway public financial decisions. This case offers important lessons regarding the relationship between persuasive communication, the responsibility of information providers, and financial literacy.
The Image of Success and Public Trust
Indra Kenz was widely known for his social media presence, where he showcased a lavish lifestyle, from expensive vehicles to high-value luxury goods. He was also known as an affiliate for Binomo, a binary option trading platform that later became the focus of a major legal case.
On November 14, 2022, the Tangerang District Court sentenced Indra Kenz to 10 years in prison and a fine of Rp5 billion. In the first-instance verdict, he was found guilty of spreading false and misleading information that harmed consumers in electronic transactions, as well as money laundering.
The case involved at least 144 victims with reported losses reaching approximately Rp83.36 billion.
In my view, one of the most interesting aspects of this case is how a person's appearance can influence public judgment. When someone appears financially successful, many people tend to assume that the individual possesses trustworthy knowledge and strategies.
This phenomenon relates to the concept of social proof , which is the tendency for individuals to follow the views or actions of others based on the impression that those individuals have achieved success.
In reality, the luxury displayed on social media is not proof that an investment product is safe, legal, or profitable.
Public Speaking as a Tool to Influence Others
Public speaking is essentially the skill of conveying ideas, information, or opinions to an audience clearly and effectively. This ability is required in many fields, including education, business, marketing, and leadership.
In the business world, for example, an entrepreneur needs strong communication skills to explain products to customers or to convince potential partners.
However, in my opinion, public speaking is a neutral skill. Its impact depends entirely on the intent and honesty of the person using it.
Good communication can help the public understand useful information. Conversely, persuasive communication techniques can also be used to make an offer sound more attractive than the reality warrants.
It should be understood that the discussion of Indra Kenz in this article does not frame him as a seminar speaker. His connection to public speaking is viewed in a broader sense: the ability to build an image, convey messages, and influence the decisions of others through public communication.
The case demonstrates that the ability to capture an audience's attention should always be accompanied by responsibility for the truthfulness of the information provided.
Not Everything Convincing Is Trustworthy
In daily life, we often encounter people who speak with great confidence. The right choice of words, a firm tone of voice, and an attractive appearance can create the impression that the person truly understands what they are talking about.
Unfortunately, a convincing impression often leads people to ignore the need to verify facts.
This becomes a serious issue when the information provided relates to financial decisions. Promises of high returns, success stories, and displays of wealth can entice someone without them first understanding the risks.
In my opinion, the public needs to distinguish between the skill of delivering information and the truthfulness of that information.
Someone who is a skilled speaker does not necessarily have adequate financial knowledge. Similarly, someone who appears wealthy is not necessarily running a safe business or investment.
In the Binomo case, the first-instance court verdict against Indra Kenz serves as a reminder that misleading information in financial activities can lead to legal consequences as well as losses for the public.
The case also sparked debate regarding the fate of the seized assets. In the first-instance verdict, assets were confiscated for the state, while a number of victims expressed objections, feeling they were the aggrieved parties.
Regardless of the legal debate, this case highlights the massive consequences that can arise when someone makes financial decisions based solely on trust.
Financial Literacy as a Form of Self-Protection
In my view, good communication skills must be balanced with adequate financial literacy. With a solid understanding of finance, the public can think more critically before accepting investment offers or specific financial products.
Financial Services Authority (OJK) Regulation Number 76/POJK.07/2016 explains that financial literacy relates to the knowledge, skills, and beliefs that influence a person's attitude and behavior in making decisions and managing finances.
This means that financial literacy is not just about the ability to calculate profits or manage expenses. Financial literacy also helps a person understand risks, verify the legality of products, and make choices based on verifiable information.
There are several simple steps that I believe are important for the public to implement.
First, do not make someone's appearance or popularity the primary basis for making financial decisions. The success displayed on social media does not necessarily reflect the actual situation.
Second, check the legality of companies and financial products through authorized institutions. The public can use the official services of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) to obtain information regarding products and financial service providers.
Third, be wary of offers of high returns that are not accompanied by an open explanation of the risks. Every financial decision carries a level of risk that needs to be understood.
Fourth, study how a product works before using personal funds. If someone does not understand where the profits are derived from, how transactions are conducted, and what losses might occur, it is better to postpone the decision.
To me, the ability to ask questions and verify information is a crucial part of financial literacy. The public should not feel pressured to follow an offer just because many others have done so.
Moral Responsibility in Public Communication
The Indra Kenz case also provides a lesson for anyone with influence in the public sphere, whether they are influencers, content creators, affiliates, or business owners.
The wider a person's reach, the greater their responsibility for the information they convey.
In my opinion, the success of communication should not be measured solely by the number of people interested, the number of followers, or the ability to generate profit. Communication must also be judged based on honesty, transparency, and its impact on the audience.
When promoting financial products, for example, one should not only highlight potential profits. The risks of loss, legality, and product mechanisms also need to be explained proportionally.
This is important because not all audiences have the same level of financial knowledge and experience. Some people may be easily influenced by promises of profit or success stories they see every day on social media.
Therefore, public speaking skills should be used to provide understanding, not just to build trust without a clear basis.
Being a Critical Listener in the Digital Era
The growth of social media makes financial information increasingly accessible. Anyone can share experiences, offer products, or express opinions on how to earn income.
On one hand, this condition provides an opportunity for the public to expand their knowledge. However, on the other hand, the flood of information also demands the ability to filter out true and misleading messages.
In my view, it is not enough for the public to simply be listeners who are attracted to how someone speaks. We also need to be critical listeners regarding the content of the message.
Simple questions such as whether the information can be proven, where the profits come from, what the risks are, and whether the product has appropriate legality can help reduce the likelihood of making hasty decisions.
Trust should grow from information that has been verified, not just from someone's appearance, popularity, or way of speaking.
Conclusion
The 10-year prison sentence handed down to Indra Kenz in the first instance of the Binomo case serves as an important reminder of the impact of misleading financial information.
From this case, I understand that public speaking and financial literacy play complementary roles. Public speaking helps a person convey a message effectively, while financial literacy helps the audience assess whether that message makes sense and is worthy of trust.
Both are equally important, especially amidst the development of digital media that allows information to spread rapidly.
Ultimately, good speaking skills must be accompanied by honesty and responsibility. Meanwhile, the public needs to build the habit of critical thinking so as not to be easily swayed into making financial decisions just because they are influenced by someone who appears convincing.
Bibliography
Kompas.com. (2022). Verdict for Indra Kenz, 10 Years in Prison and a Rp5 Billion Fine.
Kontan. (2022). Binomo Case: Indra Kenz Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison and a Rp5 Billion Fine.
Katadata. (2022). Binomo Case: Indra Kenz Imprisoned for 10 Years, Victims' Money Not Returned.
Kompas TV. (2022). Indra Kenz's Assets Confiscated for the State, Binomo Victims: We Were Cheated, Now We Are Robbed!
JatimTimes. (2022). Because He Was Already Impoverished, Indra Kenz's Sentence Was Lighter Than the Prosecutor's Demand.
Financial Services Authority. (2016). Financial Services Authority Regulation Number 76/POJK.07/2016 concerning the Improvement of Financial Literacy and Inclusion in the Financial Services Sector for Consumers and/or the Public.
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