The Bung Hatta University FEB PKM Team Conducts Research in the Mentawai Islands

On June 16, 2025, a research team from the Faculty of Economics and Business, Bung Hatta University (FEB UBH) conducted a three-day research activity in the Mentawai Islands. This activity was part of the 2025 Research Grant from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemendiktisaintek RI). The team members consisted of:

1. Rika Desiyanti, S.E.,M.Sc., Ph.D. (Team Leader)

2. Ice Kamela, S.E., M.M.

3. Tyara Dwi Putri, S.E.,M.Sc.

4. Muhammad Asad Jundurrahman

This research was titled "A Model for Developing Sustainable Business Performance of Mentawai Women's SMEs through the Use of Fintech/Financial Technology for Economic Resilience."

During the research, the team conducted field visits, coordinated with, and interviewed several local stakeholders to obtain baseline data on the number of active SMEs and the business conditions and challenges faced by local SMEs. This activity received support from various parties, including the Head of the Mentawai Financial Agency, the Head of the Mentawai Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), the Mentawai Industry and Trade Office and its staff, the Head of Education, the Head of Health, BNI representatives involved in digital payment technology research (QRIS), and UMKMs in Mentawai.

In addition to data collection, the research team also explored opportunities for collaboration between universities, local governments, and businesses. This collaboration is expected to strengthen the capacity of women-owned UMKMs to leverage digital financial technology to improve business performance and economic resilience, particularly in island regions that face challenges with access to information and infrastructure.

This activity is expected to produce a more inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable UMKM empowerment strategy. The research findings are also expected to make a tangible contribution to supporting local government policies to improve digital literacy, access to capital, and strengthen business networks for MSMEs in Mentawai.

Hopefully, this research will provide broad benefits to academia, government, and stakeholders, as a joint effort to promote economic progress in local communities.