Lecturer at STIE YPUP Makassar, Member of the Fundamental Research Team TA 2026.
This article is part of research on strengthening the startup and MSME ecosystem in the Mamminasata Corridor, supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology.
Keywords: Digital Literacy, Innovation, MSMEs, Startups.
WIN Media, Opinion – The synergy between MSMEs and digital startups is often touted as the key to Indonesia’s digital economic growth. However, this partnership will never succeed without a solid foundation: digital literacy. This article emphasizes that digital literacy is not merely a complement, but a primary prerequisite for the MSME-startup synergy to produce real impact.
Indonesia’s digital economy is growing rapidly, with a contribution reaching USD 90 billion in 2024. The Mamminasata Corridor, as one of the growth centers, contributes 45.2 percent to the GRDP of South Sulawesi, with 522 active startups and a growth rate of 272.86 percent in the 2020–2024 period. Unfortunately, 60 percent of startups in this area fail to survive past three years.
On the other hand, traditional MSMEs still face serious limitations in digital literacy. The synergy expected to bridge the two is instead hindered because both parties do not yet have equal digital readiness. This is why digital literacy is the determining factor for the success of such partnerships.
Why Digital Literacy is the Determining Factor
Digital literacy has a meaning far broader than just the technical ability to use applications. It encompasses the ability to filter correct information, understand digital ethics, maintain data security, and utilize platforms for productivity. Unfortunately, the level of digital literacy in Indonesia is still in the moderate category, with a score of around 3.5 out of 5 in 2025 (Kusumastuti, 2026).
Data from the 2025 Indonesia Digital Society Index (IMDI) shows a national score of 44.53, up from 43.34 in 2024. Despite the positive trend, the digital literacy pillar remains at around 49.28 points, which means it is still in the moderate category (Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, 2025). Meanwhile, out of a total of 64.2 million MSMEs in Indonesia, only about 25 million have connected to the e-commerce ecosystem (Ministry of MSMEs, 2025).
The impact of digital literacy on synergy is very significant. Digitally literate MSMEs can become equal partners for startups, not merely policy objects. Startups also gain real market data and accurate feedback from their MSME partners. Without digital literacy, partnerships are merely formalities and unsustainable.
Challenges of Digital Literacy in Mamminasata
Limited infrastructure and internet access remain major obstacles in Mamminasata. Internet access is uneven, especially in Maros, Gowa, and Takalar regencies. The development of 5G networks has been planned, but its implementation is still in the early stages.
Low trust among MSMEs toward technology is also a serious barrier. Traditional MSMEs are often skeptical of startups considered “foreign” and not understanding the real business. Building this trust requires a gradual and evidence-based approach.
The limited capacity of startups further exacerbates the situation. Not all local startups have mature products to assist MSMEs. Many startups are still in the product development stage and do not yet have tested business models.
Existing digital literacy programs are still partial. Digital training is often temporary, unsustainable, and not contextual to MSME needs. The lack of intensive post-training assistance causes training results to quickly evaporate.
Overlapping coordination among institutions worsens the situation. MSME digitalization programs are run by various ministries and agencies without optimal coordination at the regional level. As a result, resources are wasted and the impact is not maximized.
Building Digital Literacy as the Foundation of Synergy
Peer-to-peer training can be an effective solution in building digital literacy. Startups as facilitators and MSMEs as active participants create learning from real practice. This model has proven effective in various digital empowerment programs in Indonesia.
The digital literacy curriculum must be contextual and applicable. Materials include digital marketing, QRIS, stock management, data security, and digital ethics. The curriculum must also be adapted to MSME business sectors, such as culinary, crafts, agriculture, and fisheries.
Intensive assistance for six months is highly necessary. This program must cover onboarding until MSMEs are capable of being digitally independent. Regular and measurable evaluation is the key to the success of this assistance.
Incentives for MSMEs that complete the program can increase participation. Shipping subsidies, access to financing, and licensing ease are real attractions. Startups that successfully assist MSMEs also need fiscal incentives to be motivated.
Utilizing the Garuda Spark Innovation Hub (GSIH) Makassar and SAPA UMKM is a strategic step. GSIH serves as a center for training, consultation, and matching; SAPA UMKM as a data channel and service integration (Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, 2026). Multi-stakeholder collaboration among government, academics, digital platforms, communities, and financial institutions is the key to sustainability.
Roles of Stakeholders
The central government, through the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs, and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, has a vital role in providing digital literacy programs, research funding, and GSIH facilitation. Regional governments, both the South Sulawesi Provincial Government and the regencies/cities in Mamminasata, are responsible for drafting regional regulations, allocating affirmative budgets, and facilitating GSIH in the regions.
Digital startups must provide quality technology and assistance. MSMEs need to be proactive, sustainable, and open to technology. Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives has a role in oversight, budget support, and legislation. Academics contribute through research, training, and assistance.
Digital Literacy: Foundation for Sustainable Synergy
Digital literacy is not a cost, but a long-term investment. Without digital literacy, MSME-startup synergy will only be a discourse that never materializes. It is time we make digital literacy a prerequisite for partnership, not a complement.
Presidential Regulation Number 38 of 2026 on National Entrepreneurship Development is the right strategic foundation. This Presidential Regulation sets the National Entrepreneurship Roadmap through 2045, with the Entrepreneurship Strengthening phase (2025–2029) as the initial foundation (Ministry of MSMEs, 2026). Digital literacy programs must be an integral part of that roadmap.
Government, startups, and MSMEs must move together. The future of Mamminasata’s digital economy depends on digitally literate MSMEs and startups ready to assist. Now is the time to ask: have our digital literacy programs touched the root of the problem, or only the surface?