The Management Study Program Research Team of the Faculty of Economics and Business at Bung Hatta University held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Fintech Development for the Economic Resilience of Women's SMEs in the Mentawai Islands

Mentawai Islands, September 1, 2025 — The Research Team from the Management Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, Bung Hatta University, held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Financial Technology (Fintech) in Supporting the Economic Resilience of Women-Based SMEs in the Mentawai Islands Regency, Bappeda Hall. This activity was part of a research project titled "A Model for Developing Sustainable Business Performance of Mentawai Women-Based SMEs through the Use of Fintech for Economic Resilience," which has been underway since June 2025.

The FGD brought together various stakeholders, including Bappeda, the Cooperatives, Industry, the MSMEs Office, the Regional Finance Agency, BNI, and women SMEs from various business sectors.

The research team leader, Rika Desiyanti, S.E.,M.Si., Ph.D., explained that the research employed quantitative and qualitative methods, including questionnaires, interviews, and a SWOT analysis. She stated that the input from the FGD was crucial for refining the fintech-based women's SME development model to deliver practical benefits that strengthen the regional economy. Rika was accompanied by research team members: Ice Kamela, S.E., M.M.; Tyara Dwi Putri, S.E.,M.Sc; and Muhammad Asad Jundurrahman, S.M.

Representatives from the Mentawai Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) highlighted challenges in UMKM development, including limited access to capital, limited marketing, and the need to strengthen local product branding. Although the number of UMKMs in Mentawai has reached over 3,500, most of which are managed by women, improving product competitiveness remains necessary.

Ananias, Acting Secretary of the Mentawai Cooperatives, Industry, and UMKMs Office, expressed his appreciation for this initiative and emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration between the government and academics to enhance the capacity of business actors. Meanwhile, a BNI representative expressed support for expanding QRIS implementation for UMKMs and for conducting more intensive outreach to increase understanding of fintech use.

One female UMKM owner also stated that product marketing and packaging quality remain major challenges. She hopes that research and mentoring from various parties can open up broader market opportunities.

Through this FGD, collaboration between academics, local governments, financial institutions, and business actors is expected to strengthen family economic resilience and increase the sustainability of women's SMEs in the Mentawai Islands.