Encouraging Kalikesek MSMEs to Go Digital, IDBU Thematic KKN UNDIP Students Assist with Digital Financial Recording Through the SI APIK Application

Semarang, July 22, 2025 – The changing times demand that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) become increasingly tech-savvy in order to stay competitive and grow. One important step is shifting from manual financial record-keeping to a faster, more organized, and more secure digital system. Supporting this effort, students from the Tax Accounting Study Program participating in the Thematic Community Service Program (KKN) of Science and Technology for Assisted Villages (IDBU) Team 13 of Diponegoro University carried out digital financial recording assistance using the SI APIK Application for MSME players in Kalikesek Hamlet, Sriwulan Village, Limbangan District, Kendal Regency.

The assistance activity, held on Tuesday (July 22), targeted MSME players including Mrs. Maya and Mrs. Likah, two local entrepreneurs producing traditional Kalikesek snacks such as moist cakes and other local treats. Previously, both of them still recorded their income and expenses manually in notebooks. Although simple, this method often led to issues such as misplaced records, time-consuming profit calculations, and less accurate financial reports.
“Organized financial recording is crucial for business owners. With clear records, they can monitor profit and loss and make more informed decisions for business growth,” said Nanda Auliya Safitri, one of the Tax Accounting students mentoring the activity.

During the mentoring session, Nanda introduced the SI APIK Application, a digital financial recording app developed by Bank Indonesia specifically for MSMEs. The session was relaxed and interactive, beginning with an explanation of the benefits of digital bookkeeping, followed by hands-on practice. Nanda guided Mrs. Maya and Mrs. Likah through downloading the app, creating accounts, and recording daily transactions such as income, expenses, and reviewing financial reports. Enthusiasm was clearly visible, especially from Mrs. Likah who was using a financial recording app for the first time.
“I’m also thankful for being taught how to keep financial records and introduced to the SI APIK app,” she said with a smile.

This activity is part of KKN Thematic IDBU Team 13’s program focused on improving financial literacy and promoting MSME digitalization. It is hoped that this small step will help Kalikesek’s MSMEs manage their businesses more professionally, enhance competitiveness, and open up wider market opportunities.

The Tax Accounting Study Program of the Vocational School at Diponegoro University remains committed to being part of the solution to society’s challenges, by integrating vocational education with community service based on real needs.