CIKARANG — Structured and disciplined financial management is a key factor in ensuring the sustainability and progress of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). In response to this challenge, Bank Artha Graha Internasional collaborated with the Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FIA UI) to host a financial literacy education and mentoring program for MSME entrepreneurs on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the Campus B Auditorium of STIAMI Cikarang, Bekasi Regency.

This collaboration marks an important step in connecting academic research, banking networks, and local business actors in an industrial region. On this occasion, Bank Artha Graha Internasional shared practical insights from a banking perspective to deliver a direct impact on local economic growth.

network, and business owners in industrial areas. On this occasion, Bank Artha Graha Internasional shared practical banking perspectives to directly impact local economic development.

The topics covered included how financial institutions assess business health, the importance of separating personal and business finances, and crucial steps MSME owners must prepare before accessing formal financial services and facilities. Consequently, academic research goes beyond theoretical concepts to become practical solutions for entrepreneurs in the field.

Through this educational initiative, participants gained not only theoretical insights but also practical guidelines directly applicable to daily business operations. With sound money management and improved financial literacy, local MSMEs are better equipped to step forward confidently toward sustainable growth.

Attending the event, Head of the Bekasi Regency Cooperatives and MSME Office, Drs. H. Hasan Basri, M.M., stated that participants represented four development programs: Tulip Incubator, UMKM Naik Kelas, UMKM Kemitraan, and Forum UMKM, with annual revenues ranging from IDR 1 million to IDR 300 million. "The majority operate in the food and beverage sector, while the remainder run service businesses such as salons, laundries, gift-wrapping services, and handicrafts," Hasan Basri remarked in his opening address.

"For MSME owners, financial literacy begins with simple steps—separating business funds from personal household money, recording daily transactions, calculating turnover and expenses, and knowing whether a business is truly profitable before securing a loan," explained Maria Eurelia Wayan, Speaker from the Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FIA UI).

In this context, the banking sector provides the KUR (People's Business Credit) scheme as a key financing facility for MSME development. "MSME growth begins with sound financial health. Businesses with neat and accurate records grow more easily, build trust faster, and are far better prepared for funding. This readiness serves as a valuable asset for Bekasi MSMEs to scale up and expand their market reach," explained Lukas Rudy Gunawan.

Through this synergy among Bank Artha Graha Internasional, FIA UI, and the Bekasi Regency Cooperatives and MSME Office, academic research and theory directly align with the practical business needs of entrepreneurs in Cikarang and surrounding industrial areas.