ANALYSIS OF FINTECH UTILIZATION BY MSME ACTORS IN THE LAKE TOBA TOURISM AREA: CHALLENGES AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES

Authors

Bambang Agus Diana Universitas Terbuka
Daniel Pasaribu Universitas Terbuka

DOI:

Keywords:

Fintech, MSMEs, Digital Literacy, Lake Toba, Local Economic Development

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the level of financial technology (fintech) utilization by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Lake Toba tourist area and identify challenges and development strategies. The research method used was qualitative descriptive through in-depth interviews with MSME actors around the Pangururan and Tuk-Tuk areas. The results of the study show that most MSME actors only use one type of fintech service, namely BRI QRIS, as a means of digital payment. The low level of digital literacy and the lack of government socialization are the main obstacles in the wider use of fintech. Most respondents do not understand the concept of fintech lending and still rely on conventional banking institutions to obtain business capital. This research emphasizes the importance of the role of the government, financial institutions, and the education sector in improving literacy and providing training on the use of fintech for MSME actors. The fintech development strategy in the Lake Toba tourist area needs to be directed at increasing access to information, strengthening digital capacity, and cross-sector collaboration to support local economic growth based on financial technology

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