Digital Technology Adoption Boosts MSME Income Growth in the Samota Strategic Area, Sumbawa

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FORMOSA NEWS

Digital transformation has proven to be a key driver in expanding market reach and increasing the income of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in priority tourism areas. A recent study conducted by Mei Rindha Istiqomah and Sri Rahayu from Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa between May and June 2026 reveals how gradual technology adoption strengthens local economic competitiveness in the Samota Strategic Area, Sumbawa Regency.

Amid the rapid development of the national digital economy, MSMEs often face classic constraints such as conventional management practices and limited market reach. These challenges are particularly evident in the Samota area, which holds massive potential in tourism and trade yet remains insufficiently integrated digitally by local business actors.

To examine this phenomenon, the study employed a descriptive qualitative approach using data collection methods including in-depth interviews, direct observation, and document study. Informants were selected through purposive sampling, involving internal stakeholders from the Office of Cooperatives and MSMEs as well as local business actors across the Saleh, Moyo, and Tambora (Samota) corridor.

The findings indicate that the level of digital technology adoption in the area is divided into three distinct typologies of business readiness:

• The first group consists of younger entrepreneurs with high digital literacy who have comprehensively adopted online marketing, cashless payment systems, digital inventory management, and digital bookkeeping applications.
• The second group utilizes technology on a limited basis, typically using WhatsApp for customer communication and providing QRIS as a payment option, but has not yet implemented digital bookkeeping.
• The third group is dominated by middle-aged and elderly entrepreneurs who remain entirely dependent on conventional cash transactions due to limited digital skills.

Despite these challenges, technology adoption delivers significant positive impacts on the stability and growth of local incomes. The success of this transformation is driven by the utilization of social media platforms (such as WhatsApp Business, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok), e-commerce, and QRIS cashless payment systems. On the ground, implementation still faces obstacles such as limited telecommunications infrastructure, low digital literacy among certain business owners, and the dual burden experienced by women entrepreneurs.

Implicitly, this study emphasizes the need for an integrated approach through the Pentahelix model, equitable telecommunications network infrastructure, and inclusive digital and financial literacy training. Digital financial footprints recorded through cashless transaction systems also open up broader opportunities for MSMEs to access formal financing, such as People's Business Credit (KUR).

Author Profiles

• Mei Rindha Istiqomah – Researcher in economics and regional development.
• Sri Rahayu, S.E., M.M. – Lecturer and researcher at Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa focusing on business management and MSME development.

Research Source:

• Article: "The Adoption of Digital Technology and Its Impact on Msme Income Growth in The Samota Strategic Area, Sumbawa Regency"
• Journal: International Journal of Management Analytics (IJMA), Vol. 4, No. 3, July 2026
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijma.v4i3.29