Digital Financial Inclusion as a Mediator of Digital Financial Literacy and Government Support in MSME Performance

The digital economy creates new opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia to enhance their competitiveness through the adoption of financial technology. This study examines how digital financial inclusion (DFI) mediates the effects of digital financial literacy (DFL) and government support (GS) on MSME performance. This mediating relationship remains underexplored in developing countries, offering new insights into how it drives business advancement. A quantitative approach was applied using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) based on survey data from 260 culinary MSME owners. The results indicate that knowledge-based resources and institutional support positively influence performance through DFI. DFI drives improvement by expanding market reach, increasing operational efficiency, facilitating transactions, optimizing the value of financial activities, and broadening access to financing. These findings underline the importance of policies that promote inclusive digital ecosystems and strengthen digital capability. Future research approaches should emphasize the integration of behavioral factors, institutional support, and business performance within the evolving MSME ecosystem and can be further developed through longitudinal or cross-sectoral studies to understand the sustainable dynamics of digital transformation.