Journal of Microeconomic Analysis

THE ROLE OF DIGITAL PAYMENT SYSTEMS IN ENHANCING FINANCIAL INCLUSION FOR MICROENTERPRISES IN EMERGING MARKETS: A CASE STUDY OF SOUTHEAST ASIA

Zidnal Falah — 2025-02-15

The background of this research is based on the increasing adoption of digital payment systems in developing countries, especially in Southeast Asia, as a way to expand financial inclusion for micro enterprises. Micro-enterprises in the region are often marginalized from access to formal financial services due to limited infrastructure and low financial literacy. Digital payment systems have great potential to overcome these barriers and open up wider access to financial services. This study aims to analyze the role of digital payment systems in improving financial inclusion for micro enterprises in emerging markets, with a focus on case studies in Southeast Asia. The research method used is quantitative descriptive with a survey as a data collection technique. The survey was conducted on 2000 micro enterprises in Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Linear regression analysis was used to test the relationship between the use of digital payments and financial inclusion. The results show that the use of digital payments has a significant influence on increasing financial inclusion, with a coefficient of 0.8581. However, obstacles such as low financial literacy and limited internet infrastructure are still the main challenges in the wider application of this system. Therefore, policies that focus on infrastructure development and increasing digital literacy are urgently needed.

THE IMPACT OF CARBON TAXATION ON SMALL-SCALE MANUFACTURING SECTORS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Daimah — 2025-02-15

Global climate change has prompted many countries to implement carbon taxes as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The policy is designed to reduce emissions, but its impact on the small-scale manufacturing sector varies between developed and developing countries. This study aims to analyze the difference in the impact of carbon taxes on the profitability of the small-scale manufacturing sector in the two groups of countries. A comparative quantitative approach was used in this study by taking samples from 150 companies in each country. Data were obtained through questionnaires and secondary data from international institutions. The analysis used included a two-sample T-test to compare profitability, as well as linear regression to see the relationship between low-carbon technology adoption and profitability. The results of the study show that carbon taxes have a more significant impact on the decline in profitability in developing countries than in developed countries. In addition, the adoption of low-carbon technologies has proven to be important in mitigating the negative impact of carbon taxes, especially in developed countries, which have higher rates of technology adoption. This study provides recommendations for developing countries to implement flexible carbon tax policies, along with policy support for the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies to ensure sustainable economic growth

THE INFLUENCE OF GIG ECONOMY GROWTH ON LABOR MARKET FLEXIBILITY AND WAGE STRUCTURE: EVIDENCE FROM GLOBAL DIGITAL PLATFORMS

Elvira Fitriyanti — 2025-02-15

The growth of the gig economy through digital platforms has significantly transformed the global labor market, offering flexibility for workers and efficiency for companies. However, this flexibility is often accompanied by income uncertainty and a lack of social protection, especially in developing countries. This study aims to explore the influence of gig economy growth on labor market flexibility and wage structure across various global digital platforms. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study analyzes quantitative data from major digital platforms as well as qualitative interviews with gig workers from various countries. The results show that while the flexibility offered by the gig economy increases labor force participation, high wage variations and a lack of social protection create challenges for worker well-being. The wage structure on gig platforms varies based on the type of job and geographic region, indicating a gap in worker protection and well-being. This study emphasizes the importance of adaptive social protection policies to achieve a balance between flexibility and job stability in the global gig market. The policy recommendations include the adoption of social protection schemes such as self-health insurance that can be accessed across platforms, to strengthen financial security for gig workers.

EVALUATING THE EFFECT OF MINIMUM WAGE ADJUSTMENTS ON EMPLOYMENT IN THE INFORMAL SECTOR: INSIGHTS FROM INDONESIA AND LATIN AMERICA

Komarudin — 2025-03-12

Minimum wage adjustments are often policies implemented to improve workers' welfare, especially in the informal sector which absorbs most of the workforce in developing countries such as Indonesia and countries in Latin America. However, the impact of these policies on the unemployment rate in the informal sector is still not fully understood, with research results varying depending on economic conditions and policy contexts in each country. This study aims to analyze the impact of minimum wage adjustment on unemployment in the informal sector in Indonesia and several Latin American countries. The method used is panel data analysis with a fixed effects model, using secondary data from the World Bank, ILO, and local economic reports during the 2015–2023 period. The results show that the increase in the minimum wage has a significant negative relationship with unemployment in the informal sector, especially when accompanied by incentive policies for small businesses and skills training for workers. In addition, it was found that macroeconomic stability and government support play an important role in determining the effectiveness of minimum wage policies in the informal sector. These findings have important implications for policymakers in formulating minimum wage policies that balance improving worker welfare and labor market stability in the informal sector

MICROCREDIT AND WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT: ASSESSING THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF SMALL BUSINESS LOANS IN RURAL ECONOMIES

Ade Fitria Fatimah — 2025-03-12

Microcredit programs have become an important tool in supporting women's empowerment in rural areas, especially in developing countries facing poverty and limited access to formal finance. However, the effectiveness of microcredit in empowering women in the long term is still a matter of debate. The study aims to evaluate the long-term impact of microcredit on women's empowerment in rural economies, with a focus on increasing financial independence, participation in household decisions, and broader social impacts. This study uses a mixed-method method with an explanatory sequential design, which starts from a quantitative survey of 150 microcredit recipients and continues with in-depth interviews with 15 selected respondents. The results of the study show that microcredit has a positive impact on women's income and financial independence, as well as increasing their participation in household decision-making. However, challenges such as limited business management and access to the market are still the main obstacles in the development of women-managed small businesses. The study suggests the need to integrate microcredit with skills training programs and access to markets to strengthen the impact of long-term empowerment. These findings can be the basis for policies for women's empowerment in rural areas through more sustainable microcredit programs.