These UMKM Entrepreneurs Harness Digital Services to Grow Their Businesses

KOMPAS.com - For micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (UMKM) operators, growing a business doesn't always mean launching massive marketing campaigns. 

In daily practice, digitalization can take simpler forms, ranging from facilitating transactions, providing payment options for customers, to helping meet operational needs when demand rises. 

This is evident from the experience of Novrida (45), the owner of Deges Snack in Medan, North Sumatra. 

Novrida began her business in 2021 by selling face masks. Over time, she spotted an opportunity in regional specialty foods and shifted to producing Mandailing-style peyek and banana chips. 

The journey was not instant. She started learning various aspects, from marketing and branding to product packaging. She also participated in multiple trainings to expand her knowledge and align her business with technological developments. 

“In building this business, I went through many ups and downs. I kept learning how to introduce products, understanding branding, improving packaging, attending various trainings, and adapting to technological advancements to support all business activities,” said Novrida. 

Adapting Over Time

The use of digital financial services and payment solutions has become a necessity in running her business. 

For Novrida, digital financial services such as banking are essential to support everyday business transactions, especially for interbank transfers. 

“We use SeaBank for daily business needs. It greatly simplifies transfer processes for different business purposes. One of the biggest benefits I've experienced is interbank transfers without fees,” Novrida explained.

According to Novrida, consumer transaction habits continue to evolve, especially among younger generations who are increasingly accustomed to cashless payments like e-wallets. 

“I see more customers using them, especially young people. Therefore, I offer ShopeePay as a payment option so customers have a more practical and familiar choice,” she added. 

For Novrida, digitalization is not just about following trends, but also about making daily business operations more practical. 

Thanks to these efforts, Deges Snack has successfully expanded its market. In 2025, its products were sold as far as Germany and Hong Kong. 

Currently, just from peyek sales, she earns a turnover of up to IDR 9 million per month. When combined with other snack products, Deges Snack’s monthly turnover reaches around IDR 31 million.

From Small Shops to Digital Marketplaces

A different experience comes from Lasmauli (47), owner of a kacang tojin business from North Sumatra who has been running it since college in 2003.