Digital transformation is proving to be a practical solution for helping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) improve their competitiveness. A community service study conducted by Fitriani Batubara and Dr. Diana Airawaty from the Faculty of Economics, Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta demonstrates how simple digital tools can significantly enhance business visibility and financial management. Published in 2026, the study focused on two MSMEs in Caturtunggal Village, Depok District, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, showing that Google Maps and the SiAPIK application can improve both digital marketing and structured financial recordkeeping.
Many Indonesian MSMEs continue to face challenges in adopting digital technology. Business owners often rely on conventional marketing methods and manual bookkeeping, making it difficult to monitor business performance, evaluate financial conditions, or access formal financing. These limitations reduce their ability to compete in an increasingly digital economy.
To address these issues, researchers from Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta organized a hands-on assistance program during a student fieldwork internship (Praktik Kerja Lapangan/PKL). The initiative involved two business partners: Pukis De Luffy MSME, which needed greater online visibility, and Putra Raha Grocery Store, which required a more systematic financial recording system. The program included field observations, needs assessments, training sessions, and direct smartphone-based mentoring, allowing business owners to immediately apply the digital tools in their daily operations.
The program produced several measurable outcomes:
- Pukis De Luffy MSME successfully established its business profile on Google Maps, making it easier for customers to locate the business and access information such as operating hours, contact details, and product photos.
- Putra Raha Grocery Store adopted the SiAPIK digital bookkeeping application to record daily transactions and generate simple financial reports, including profit and loss statements.
- Both MSMEs improved their digital literacy and became capable of independently managing the applications after the mentoring sessions.
- The practical, hands-on training approach proved effective because participants learned by directly applying the technology to their own businesses.
According to the authors, registering a business on Google Maps increases its visibility in location-based searches, enabling potential customers to find the business more easily. Meanwhile, SiAPIK helps organize financial transactions digitally, providing more accurate financial information for business evaluation, planning, and decision-making. Proper financial records can also strengthen an MSME's credibility when applying for financing from financial institutions.
Fitriani Batubara and Dr. Diana Airawaty emphasized that practical mentoring is one of the most effective approaches for accelerating digital adoption among MSMEs. Rather than simply introducing technology, the program equipped business owners with the skills and confidence to use digital tools independently, contributing to improved managerial capabilities and long-term business sustainability.
The findings highlight the broader importance of digital transformation for Indonesia's MSME sector. Simple technologies such as Google Maps and digital bookkeeping applications can significantly improve marketing performance, operational efficiency, financial transparency, and access to formal financial services. The study also suggests that similar mentoring programs can be replicated by universities, local governments, and business development organizations to accelerate MSME digitalization across the country.
Author Profile
- Fitriani Batubara - Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta.
- Diana Airawaty - Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta.
Research Source
Batubara, F., & Airawaty, D. (2026). Go Digital for MSMEs: Google Maps and SiAPIK Assistance for Business Actors. Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Bestari (JPMB), Vol. 5, No. 6, pp. 497–512.
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