PEMAHAMAN DAN TINGKAT PENGGUNAAN PAYMENT GATEWAY TERHADAP KINERJA KEUANGAN UMKM DI KOTA PALU

Digital transformation encourages Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to
adopt electronic payment systems, including payment gateways, to improve transaction
efficiency and financial performance. However, the use of this technology is not optimal in
Palu City due to the low understanding and level of use. This study aims to analyze the
influence of understanding and the level of payment gateway use on the financial
performance of MSMEs. The research method uses a quantitative approach with a survey
design. A sample of 344 MSMEs was selected using a simple random sampling technique
with a margin of error of 5%. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression through
SPSS accompanied by validity, reliability, and classical assumption tests. The results of the
study show that the understanding of MSME actors does not have a significant effect on
financial performance. On the other hand, the level of payment gateway usage has a positive
and significant effect on the financial performance of MSMEs. These findings prove that
the improvement of financial performance is not only determined by knowledge of
technology, but more determined by the intensity of the use of payment gateways in business
transactions. Therefore, increasing digital literacy needs to be accompanied by practical use
assistance so that MSMEs can get optimal benefits from transaction digitization.
Keywords: Payment Gateway, Technology Understanding, Usage Rate, Financial
Performance, MSMEs