Business Strengthening Strategy in Sharia Microfinance Institutions During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Indonesia Through Digital Literacy

Abstract

The impact of the pandemic around the world has changed the existing order of life, including in Indonesia. The COVID-19 pandemic has also changed various important sectors in society, one of which is Islamic microfinance institutions. This study aims to identify the strategies adopted by Islamic microfinance institutions to strengthen their business during the pandemic. This study uses a qualitative research type with a phenomenological approach. The research participants were 15 people who directly experienced the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Determination of participants using purposive sampling. The data collection technique used a semi-structured interview guide instrument. The data analysis techniques include data organization, finding meaningful themes, analyzing data, and reporting systematically. The results of the study illustrate that the strategies adopted by Islamic microfinance institutions during the Covid-19 pandemic are (1) making online applications that are easy and accessible to customers; (2) socialization to members through whatapps group and customer contact numbers; (3) providing training to employees in the use of applications; (4) creation of social media to establish communication with customers; (5) making a policy on relaxation of installment payments in the field of customer financing; (6) the obstacles encountered. The limitations of the research on the number of respondents and the type of research selected can be redeveloped with further, broader, and more in-depth research.