Financial Access Drives MSME Revenue Growth, BukuWarung Analysis Finds
Access to appropriate financial services has proven to be a key factor in driving the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). An analysis by BukuWarung of merchants receiving productive financing shows that 7 out of 10 merchants experienced revenue growth after obtaining financing, with growth reaching 58%. These findings were part of the momentum brought to Laskar Agen Juara Semarang, a segment of the BukuAgen Roadshow 2026 aimed at strengthening capacity, financial literacy, and merchant communities across various regions.
“Sustainable MSME growth requires more than just access to financial services. Therefore, we continue to strengthen an ecosystem that connects productive financing, financial literacy, and mutually supportive merchant communities. Through Laskar Agen Juara, we want to ensure merchants not only have access to the right services but also gain the knowledge, networks, and support needed to continue growing and moving up to the next level,” said Romy Williams, VP of Strategic Partnership, Compliance, and Legal at BukuWarung, during the BukuAgen Roadshow 2026 in Semarang. This is part of a series of BukuWarung programmes in seven major Indonesian cities following the National Summit in January 2026. Previously, the event had been held in West Java, Banten, East Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, South Sumatra, and North Sumatra.
One of BukuWarung’s efforts to increase merchant income is by presenting BukuModal, a productive financing feature designed to help merchants develop their businesses according to daily needs. “Through relevant and easily accessible financing, BukuModal helps merchants obtain additional capital to increase stock, expand business operations, and support sustainable business growth,” Romy explained.
The impact of this financing access is visible in the improved business performance of merchants, where the majority of financing recipients recorded revenue growth after obtaining productive capital access through BukuModal. As many as 43% of merchants successfully moved up to a higher business tier after receiving financing, while merchants in the initial tier recorded revenue growth of nearly five times after obtaining productive financing. “These findings show that appropriate access to capital can have the greatest impact on business actors who are still in the stage of building and developing their businesses,” Romy added.
Beyond financial access, BukuWarung believes that sustainable business growth also requires knowledge, networks, and learning spaces that allow business actors to grow together. Through Laskar Agen Juara, BukuWarung provides a platform and support system for merchants to share experiences, learn best practices in business management, and strengthen connections with fellow business actors in their regions.
“Many of our merchants in Central Java have great business potential but still need assistance in managing their businesses and optimally utilising financial services. Through Laskar Agen Juara, we not only want to share information but also directly hear merchants’ experiences so that the solutions we bring remain aligned with their needs,” said Endang Puspawati, Head of Area Central Java (Merchant Success) at BukuWarung.
During the event, BukuWarung also provided education on financial literacy, account protection, and digital fraud prevention to help merchants utilise financial services more safely and confidently. As part of the BukuAgen Roadshow 2026 held in seven Indonesian cities, Laskar Agen Juara serves as a space for merchants to learn from fellow business actors who have successfully developed their businesses. Through real stories, direct experiences, and discussions among merchants, participants gain relevant insights that can be applied according to their respective business needs.
With more than 120,000 merchants as part of the BukuAgen ecosystem, BukuWarung sees that community plays an important role in driving sustainable growth. This is achieved not only through access to financial services but also through learning, collaboration, and support among merchants that helps more business actors grow and move up together. This spirit is continuously built through the #BanggaJadiBukuAgen movement, which encourages merchants to inspire each other, grow together, and be part of a community that creates a positive impact on their surrounding environment.