A community-based research project led by scholars from STIE Indonesia Banking School has shown that simple operational management training can significantly improve the capacity of micro-entrepreneurs, particularly women running home-based businesses. The findings were reported by Alvien Nur Amalia, Salsabila Yulianti, Salsabila Putri Susanti, Nadia Aulia, and Dr. Santi Rimadias in 2026 in the Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Formosa (JPMF).
The study, conducted in Cipayung, Depok, West Java, examined how mentoring in operational management could help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) run by housewives become more organized, efficient, and competitive. The results show that even short training sessions on basic operational analysis—covering business location, halal production standards, product quality, and simple technology—can improve entrepreneurs’ understanding of how to manage their businesses sustainably.
The research highlights the importance of strengthening grassroots businesses in Indonesia, where MSMEs remain the backbone of the national economy.
MSMEs Remain the Backbone of Indonesia’s Economy
Indonesia has one of the largest MSME ecosystems in the world. According to national data cited in the study, MSMEs account for nearly 99.99 percent of all business units in the country, representing more than 64 million enterprises.
Their economic contribution is substantial:
- MSMEs absorb around 97 percent of Indonesia’s workforce
- They contribute approximately 60 percent of national Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
- They generate about 15.5 percent of exports
These businesses also proved resilient during economic crises, including the Asian financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many small enterprises still struggle with basic business management skills, particularly in operational planning and financial organization.
This challenge is especially visible in micro-scale household businesses, which often rely on informal systems and personal experience rather than structured management practices.
Real Challenges Faced by Household Businesses
The research team from STIE Indonesia Banking School began by conducting field observations and interviews with local MSME operators in Cipayung, Depok. They found that many businesses had promising products but lacked structured operational management.
Two enterprises became the primary focus of the mentoring program:
- Mrs. Nadiah’s culinary business, which sells cooked side dishes and traditional Betawi cakes
- Mrs. Wati’s home sewing business, offering tailoring services for women’s clothing, children’s garments, and uniforms
Both businesses generate monthly revenue below IDR 5 million, placing them firmly within the micro-enterprise category.
Despite having steady customers, both entrepreneurs faced common challenges:
- Financial records were incomplete or not documented
- Business targets and production planning were unclear
- Product packaging and branding were still basic
- Digital marketing tools were rarely used
The research team concluded that practical mentoring could help improve operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Simple Operational Training for Local Entrepreneurs
The mentoring program took place on May 22, 2025, with a small group of five MSME participants in the Cipayung area.
Instead of traditional classroom teaching, the researchers used interactive discussions, case studies, and direct feedback based on participants’ real business situations.
The training focused on four core elements of operational management:
Strategic Business Location
Participants learned how business location affects customer access, market reach, and sales potential.
Halal Production Standards
For food-related businesses, the program emphasized the importance of halal ingredients, hygienic processing, and compliance with halal principles.
Product Quality and Packaging
The training encouraged entrepreneurs to improve raw material selection, packaging design, and product durability to maintain customer loyalty.
Simple Business Technology
Participants were introduced to the use of social media promotion and digital order management as practical tools for small businesses.
The goal was to help entrepreneurs understand how operational decisions influence efficiency, productivity, and customer trust.
Key Outcomes of the Mentoring Program
The program produced several measurable improvements in participant awareness and business planning.
Among the most notable results:
- Participants gained a clearer understanding of operational management principles
- Entrepreneurs began identifying strengths and weaknesses in their business operations
- Awareness of halal production processes increased among culinary business owners
- Participants recognized the importance of better packaging and product presentation
- Interest in using simple digital tools for promotion increased
In the case of Mrs. Wati’s sewing business, the mentoring helped establish daily production targets and monthly income goals—something that had not existed previously.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Nadiah’s culinary business began paying closer attention to halal sourcing of ingredients and improving food packaging to increase product value.
Empowering Women Through Micro-Entrepreneurship
Beyond operational improvements, the research highlights the broader role of women-led household enterprises in strengthening family economies.
In many Indonesian communities, small businesses run by housewives provide additional income while also creating economic independence. When supported with knowledge and mentoring, these businesses can evolve from informal activities into sustainable micro-enterprises.
According to Dr. Santi Rimadias of STIE Indonesia Banking School, contextual training that connects directly with entrepreneurs’ daily experiences can be highly effective.
Dr. Rimadias and her colleagues emphasize that practical learning—combined with continuous mentoring—can help small business owners build stronger management habits and long-term growth strategies.
Policy Implications for MSME Development
The findings suggest that universities, local governments, and development organizations can play a critical role in strengthening grassroots entrepreneurship.
The researchers recommend several follow-up initiatives:
- digital financial record systems for MSMEs
- training in social-media-based marketing
- assistance in obtaining MUI halal certification
- improved access to microfinance and business capital
Building a sustainable ecosystem for MSME development will require collaboration between educational institutions and public policy stakeholders.
Future research and community programs may also measure the long-term impact of such mentoring initiatives on business turnover, customer growth, and enterprise sustainability.
Author Profile
Alvien Nur Amalia, Salsabila Yulianti, Salsabila Putri Susanti, Santi Rimadias and Nadia Aulia are researchers from the Sharia Financial Management and Banking Study Program at STIE Indonesia Banking School.
0 Komentar