Journal Of Economic Cluster

Beyond Capital: Ineffective Training and Mentoring in Zakat MSMEs: Z-Mart South Sumatra Case

2025-12-09T10:19:47+07:00

This study aims to analyze the influence of productive zakat empowerment on the development of MSMEs (a case study of Z-Mart BAZNAS South Sumatra Province). The population and sample in this study were all mustahik recipients of productive zakat assistance from the Z-Mart BAZNAS South Sumatra Province program, totaling 50 people. The analysis technique used was multiple regression with t-tests and F-tests. The results indicate that capital assistance significantly influences the development of Z-Mart MSMEs. In contrast, training and mentoring variables individually do not influence MSME development, although simultaneously, capital assistance, training, and mentoring affect the development of Z-Mart MSMEs. Based on these findings, this study suggests the need for an overhaul of the training curriculum and mentoring mechanisms to better align with the specific technical needs of the mustahik.

Does Location Still Matter? The Dominance of Islamic Ethics and Service Quality in Muslim Fashion Retail Satisfaction

2025-12-12T17:05:59+07:00

This quantitative research aims to analyze the influence of Islamic Business Ethics, Location, and Service Quality on Consumer Satisfaction at Rabbani Lahat Store. The study population comprised 16,160 consumers, with a sample of 100 people determined using the Slovin formula. The data were analyzed using Multiple Regression (SPSS) through the t-test and F-test. The results indicate that, partially, Islamic Business Ethics and Service Quality significantly influence consumer satisfaction, while the Location variable does not show a significant effect. However, simultaneously (together), these three variables—Islamic Business Ethics, Location, and Service Quality—exert a significant combined influence on consumer satisfaction at Rabbani Lahat Store. The main conclusion of this study is that consumer satisfaction at Rabbani Lahat is highly driven by Sharia ethical values in business and the quality of service provided, while the physical location of the store is less of a primary determinant.

Digital Transformation in Energy Sector: Impact of Mandatory Cashless Payments on Customer Satisfaction

2025-12-18T00:52:18+07:00

Public sector digitalization has driven the transformation to cashless payment systems to enhance operational efficiency. However, mandatory technology adoption in emerging economies often faces adaptation challenges affecting service perception. This study aims to analyze the impact of mandatory cashless payments on customer satisfaction in the energy retail sector. Using a quantitative approach, data were gathered from 80 MyPertamina users in the satellite region of South Sumatra. Simple linear regression analysis reveals that the cashless system significantly and positively impacts customer satisfaction (R² = 0.700). The findings confirm that digital transaction efficiency and security are primary satisfaction drivers, despite the mandatory nature of the system. Theoretically, this study contributes to technology adoption literature by proving that reliable digital infrastructure is key to customer loyalty in emerging economies. Managerially, it suggests integrating customer education and application stability to mitigate digital transition barriers in the energy sector.

Digital Transformation and Social Capital: Strategies for Traditional Retailers Facing Modern Competition in Palembang

2025-12-21T23:21:39+07:00

The objective of this study is to examine the business development strategy of "Toko Bambang," a traditional retail business focused on providing community staple goods (sembako). Amidst the rapid expansion of modern retail and digital platforms, traditional grocery stores are compelled to adapt to remain competitive. This study employs a qualitative descriptive approach combined with the SWOT framework. The findings indicate that Toko Bambang possesses significant strengths in social capital, including customer trust, personalized service, and competitive pricing derived from direct sourcing from farmers. However, primary weaknesses lie in the low adoption of digital technology for financial bookkeeping and inventory management, alongside a high dependency on the owner. Significant opportunities are identified in leveraging digital ecosystems and delivery services, while the main threats arise from modern retail competition offering greater convenience. This study concludes by recommending a measurable digital transformation strategy and operational systematization to mitigate the risks associated with manual management. By integrating traditional values of trust with technological efficiency, Toko Bambang can enhance its business resilience and long-term competitiveness.

Determinants of Financial Performance: The Role of Profitability and Leverage in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Industry

2026-01-24T02:22:42+07:00

This study aims to analyze the influence of profitability and leverage on the financial performance of PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk during the 2019-2023 period. This research employs a quantitative approach with a census sampling method, utilizing annual financial report data sourced from the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression techniques. The results indicate that, partially, profitability has a positive and significant effect on financial performance, while leverage has a negative and significant effect on financial performance. Simultaneously, both variables significantly influence the company's financial performance with an Adjusted R Square value of 0.997. This indicates that the predictive model in this study possesses exceptionally high explanatory power, where profitability and leverage account for 99.7% of the variance in financial performance. These findings imply that profit optimization and efficient debt structure management are key to maintaining financial performance stability in the food and beverage industry in the post-pandemic era.

Influencing Tax Compliance Through Awareness: Evidence from Indonesian E-commerce Entrepreneurs

2026-01-23T13:21:08+07:00

This study aims to analyze the influence of Taxpayer Awareness on Tax Compliance among Shopee e-commerce entrepreneurs in South Tangerang City. A quantitative approach was employed, with data collected from 96 respondents selected through non-probability sampling based on the Lemeshow formula. Data were analyzed using linear regression, t-test, and the coefficient of determination (R²). The results indicate that Taxpayer Awareness has a positive and significant effect on Tax Compliance. The R² value of 0.823 suggests that Taxpayer Awareness accounts for 82.3% of the variation in tax compliance. Practically, these findings imply that policies to increase tax revenue in the digital economy sector should prioritize persuasive educational programs and simplified access to tax information rather than relying solely on strict enforcement. Furthermore, strategic collaboration with e-commerce platforms to integrate tax reminder features could assist platform management in fostering a legally compliant business ecosystem. The study concludes that strengthening individual awareness is the primary key to optimizing tax collection within the e-commerce sector.

Determinants of Stock Prices: Case Study of Liquidity and Profitability in the Pulp and Paper Sector on the Indonesia Stock Exchange

2026-01-24T10:10:00+07:00

This study aims to analyze the effect of liquidity and profitability on stock prices in the pulp and paper sub-sector manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for the 2021-2023 period. The research population includes all listed companies in the sub-sector, with a purposive sampling technique yielding 24 observations from 8 companies. Secondary data were obtained from annual financial reports published on the official IDX website. The analysis method used is multiple linear regression. The results partially show that liquidity has no significant effect on stock prices (t-count -1.573 < t-table 2.064; sig. 0.131). In contrast, profitability has a positive and significant effect on stock prices (t-count 3.825 > t-table 2.064; sig. 0.001). Simultaneously, liquidity and profitability significantly affect stock prices (F-count 9.172 > F-table 3.01; sig. 0.001) with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 46.6%. These findings indicate that investors tend to prioritize earning power as a primary investment signal. For corporate management, these results emphasize the importance of operational efficiency to strengthen profitability and enhance market attractiveness, while exchange authorities could encourage more transparent earnings reporting to maintain stock price stability within this sector

Analysis of Determinants in Motor Vehicle Tax Revenue: An Empirical Study at the West Jakarta SAMSAT Office

2026-01-25T14:52:40+07:00

This study aims to analyze the influence of the number of motor vehicles on the realization of Motor Vehicle Tax (PKB) revenue at the West Jakarta SAMSAT Office. Employing a quantitative associative approach, the research focused on the Motor Vehicle Tax Collection Service Unit (UPPPKB) using a saturated sampling method over the 2013-2022 reporting period (n=10). Secondary data collected through time-series observations were strengthened by primary data gathered via in-depth interviews to confirm field phenomena. The simple linear regression analysis reveals an anomalous finding where the number of motor vehicles has a significant negative influence on PKB revenue, with a significance value of 0.008 (< 0.05) and a t-statistic of -3.498. Despite a coefficient of determination (R²) of 60.5%, the growth in vehicle volume was counterintuitively followed by a surge in non-compliant vehicles, reaching 1.34 million units by 2022. These findings suggest that the growth of the tax base is no longer the primary driver of revenue due to high levels of non-compliance and tax avoidance behavior. Consequently, relevant authorities must strengthen active collection strategies and fiscal education to optimize the potential revenue loss.

The Implications of Capital Structure on Financial Performance in Consumer Goods Manufacturing Companies: Empirical Evidence from PT ICBP Tbk

2026-01-27T04:11:18+07:00

This study aims to empirically examine the effect of capital structure on the financial performance of PT Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk (ICBP) from 2019 to 2023. Capital structure is proxied by the Debt to Equity Ratio (DER), while financial performance is measured by Return on Equity (ROE). A quantitative method with a descriptive-verificative approach was employed, using secondary data sourced from annual financial statements on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The results of the simple linear regression analysis indicate that capital structure has a significant negative effect on financial performance (t count 3.874 > t table 2.571; sig. 0.002 < 0.05). These findings suggest that an increase in the proportion of debt within the capital structure tends to decrease the efficiency of the company's financial performance. The implications of this study suggest that management should optimize the capital composition to minimize interest expenses that could erode profitability.