Sharia Financial Literacy and Access to Financing: A Study on MSMEs Receiving Sharia KUR in Lampung
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37385/ypcb6791Keywords:
Sharia financial literacy; MSMEs; Sharia KUR; Islamic microfinance; access to financingAbstract
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) constitute more than 99 percent of business units in Indonesia and are widely recognized as the backbone of the national economy. In Lampung Province, MSMEs play a particularly strategic role in job creation, poverty reduction, and the promotion of equitable regional development. However, despite their substantial potential, MSMEs often face limited access to adequate and sustainable financing. To address this constraint, the Indonesian government introduced the Sharia People’s Business Credit (KUR Syariah) as an alternative financing scheme based on Islamic principles such as the prohibition of interest, profit-sharing arrangements, and fairness in transactions. Yet, the effective utilization of Sharia KUR is strongly influenced by the level of Sharia financial literacy among MSME owners. This study aims to examine the relationship between Sharia financial literacy and access to Sharia KUR financing among MSMEs in Lampung Province. Employing a qualitative research design, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with MSME owners who had received Sharia KUR, alongside observations and document reviews. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. The findings show that while most respondents are familiar with basic Islamic finance concepts, their understanding of the technical aspects of Sharia KUR such as contract types, profit-sharing ratios, and rights and obligations under financing agreements remains limited. This knowledge gap affects their ability to apply for, manage, and optimize the financing received. Respondents with higher levels of Sharia financial literacy display more disciplined fund allocation, timelier repayments, and improved business outcomes, whereas those with lower literacy levels are more likely to experience repayment difficulties and non-productive fund use. The study concludes that enhancing Sharia financial literacy is essential for maximizing the benefits of Sharia KUR and for strengthening the Islamic financial ecosystem at the regional level. Targeted education, simplified financing procedures, and tailored mentoring programs are recommended to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of Sharia-based microfinance initiatives.
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