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This study aims to analyze the determinants of success of PT Makmur Susanti Group, a processed food MSME in Tulungagung, East Java, in achieving “Born Global” status by bypassing the traditional incremental internationalization process and penetrating global markets within only 2.5 years. The research employed a qualitative approach using a single case study method. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with the owner as the key informant, participatory observation, and documentation, and were analyzed using the Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña interactive model, consisting of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that the company’s rapid internationalization was supported by three main factors, namely visionary managerial capability reflected in entrepreneurial alertness, continuous product innovation through selective raw material use and flavor localization, and the optimal utilization of digital ecosystems such as B2B platforms and Alibaba. In addition, the study identified a “symbiotic” business model involving export aggregators to serve diaspora niche markets, which challenges the conventional assumption that Born Global firms must independently manage international logistics. Furthermore, the owner’s legal background became a strategic advantage in addressing complex halal regulations and international certification requirements. This research contributes a new perspective on the phenomenon of “non-intentional” Born Global firms and highlights the importance of legal-formal competence for MSMEs, while also providing practical insights for regional MSMEs in integrating local comparative advantages with global competitive standards.

The objective of this study is to develop a theoretical framework that can be used to identify the key resources and capabilities involved in the globalization process. This case study aims to examine how export-oriented small businesses in Indonesia achieve success at the international level. To obtain qualitative data, in-depth interviews were conducted with the Makmur Susanti Group, an MSME in Tulungagung, East Java. This study, based on the Resource-Based View (RBV), demonstrates how dynamic capabilities in production, networking, marketing, learning, legal, and synergistic areas contribute to the formation of competitive advantages that support business sustainability and continuity. The study indicates that success in internationalization requires a combination of capabilities that can meet market needs, rather than a single capability. This study contributes to the literature by offering a comprehensive framework of the internationalization process and providing practical insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs. The research findings underscore the importance of capability development and government support in facilitating the global expansion of SMEs. Ultimately, this study provides a foundation for further investigation into the dynamic capabilities required for SMEs to thrive in international markets.

Health-related SMEs in Indonesia have significant opportunities to enter international markets, but many businesses still face limitations in digital capabilities, innovation, and readiness for external markets. This study aims to examine the influence of digital transformation on the success of health-related SMEs in going international, both directly and through business innovation as a mediator. The study employs a quantitative approach using a cross-sectional survey design involving 200 owners or key managers of SMEs in East Java, selected via purposive sampling. Data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The results indicate that digital transformation has a positive influence on business innovation and the success of going international. Business innovation also has a positive effect on internationalisation success and mediates the relationship between digital transformation and external market success. These findings confirm that digitalisation should not merely be understood as an operational tool, but as a strategic capability that must be integrated with product, process, marketing, and business model innovation. The research implications emphasise the importance of strengthening digital capabilities and business innovation to enhance the global competitiveness of Indonesian health-related SMEs

This study aims to examine the empowerment of local human resources as a strategic asset in the internationalization process of MSMEs in Sumber Wandhe Wonosalam, Jombang, East Java. This study employs a qualitative case study approach to facilitate the investigation of complex research phenomena, evaluate various perspectives, identify contributing factors, and generate a broad overview. The study indicates that success in internationalization requires a combination of capabilities that can meet market needs, rather than a single capability. Business actors who are able to recognize opportunities for local human resource empowerment can optimize the export process. This enables the region and its residents to maintain generational training in innovative management to address the turnover of the younger generation. Ultimately, this study provides a foundation for further research on the dynamic capabilities required for MSMEs to thrive in international markets.

PT Bank Pembangunan Daerah Jawa Timur Tbk (“Bank Jatim”) is a regional-owned company engaged in banking. The main activity of this company is to collect and channel funds and provide other banking services to all customers in the East Java region.  With the tagline "Yang Terbaik Untuk Anda", Bank Jatim maximizes the best potential ranging from services to the provision of products that continue to be developed and created technology-based to achieve BPD Regional Champion. It will not be achieved without the role of optimal human resources. The purpose of this study was to test and analyze the effect of employee empowerment on employee engagement through job satisfaction in employees of the corporate secretary division of Bank Jatim Surabaya Head Office. Where the employee empowerment variable has four indicators, the four of which will be studied, namely sense of meaning, sense of competence, self determination, impact. This research is causality research with a quantitative approach. Sampling technique used saturated samples with a total of 37 respondents in the corporate secretary division of Bank Jatim Surabaya Head Office. The statistical analysis used in this research is partial least square (PLS) with the help of smartPLS 3.0 software. The results of this study explain that employee empowerment has a positive and significant effect on employee engagement, employee empowerment has a positive and significant effect on job satisfaction. Job satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on employee engagement. Job satisfaction is able to mediate the relationship between employee empowerment and employee engagement.

This study aims to analyze innovative strategies that can be implemented by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in East Java to improve competitiveness through digital marketing and e-commerce. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach with a library research method by reviewing various scientific literature, government reports, and previous studies related to MSME innovation and digital transformation. The results of the study indicate that digital marketing and e-commerce innovation can increase market reach, operational efficiency, product differentiation, and MSME sales. However, the implementation of innovation still faces several challenges such as low digital literacy, limited capital, limited technology, and lack of system integration. Therefore, innovative strategies are needed, including integrated digital marketing, marketplace optimization, social commerce, digital payment systems, logistics integration, digital branding strengthening, and digital literacy training. In addition, collaboration between MSMEs, government, universities, communities, and digital platforms is an important factor in accelerating MSME digital transformation. This study produces recommendations for an innovative strategy model based on digital marketing and e-commerce to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of MSMEs in East Java.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a central role in the Indonesian economy, yet their internationalization remains limited. This condition indicates that many SMEs have not fully transformed innovation and digitalization into strategic capabilities that support broader market expansion. This study examines the effects of innovation and digitalization on SME internationalization from the strategic capability perspective. A quantitative explanatory design with a cross-sectional survey was employed. The sample consisted of 200 SME owners or main managers in East Java selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The simulated results indicate that innovation and digitalization positively contribute to SME internationalization through product value enhancement, business process efficiency, and broader market reach. These findings suggest that SME internationalization is more likely to emerge when innovation and digitalization are integrated as strategic capabilities rather than treated as isolated initiatives.

MSMEs play a dominant role in the Indonesian economy, but their contribution to the international market remains relatively limited. This situation indicates that the readiness for internationalisation of MSMEs remains a significant issue, particularly in relation to innovation and digitalisation capabilities as strategic resources. This study aims to analyse the influence of innovation and digitalisation on the readiness for internationalisation of MSMEs in Indonesia using the Resource-Based View approach. The study employs an explanatory quantitative design with a survey approach involving 200 owners or primary managers of SMEs in East Java, selected via purposive sampling. Data were analysed using SEM-PLS. The results indicate that innovation and digitalisation have a positive and significant influence on the internationalisation readiness of SMEs. Digitalisation demonstrates a stronger influence than innovation. The structural model also exhibits adequate explanatory and predictive power. These findings confirm that internationalisation readiness is determined not only by market opportunities but also by the ability of SMEs to strategically manage innovation and digital technology. The implications of this study emphasise the importance of strengthening innovation and digitalisation capabilities as the foundation for formulating SME development strategies that are better prepared to enter international markets.

Health-related SMEs in Indonesia have significant opportunities to enter international markets, but many businesses still face limitations in digital capabilities, innovation, and readiness for external markets. This study aims to examine the influence of digital transformation on the success of health-related SMEs in going international, both directly and through business innovation as a mediator. The study employs a quantitative approach using a cross-sectional survey design involving 200 owners or key managers of SMEs in East Java, selected via purposive sampling. Data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The results indicate that digital transformation has a positive influence on business innovation and the success of going international. Business innovation also has a positive effect on internationalisation success and mediates the relationship between digital transformation and external market success. These findings confirm that digitalisation should not merely be understood as an operational tool, but as a strategic capability that must be integrated with product, process, marketing, and business model innovation. The research implications emphasise the importance of strengthening digital capabilities and business innovation to enhance the global competitiveness of Indonesian health-related SMEs.

Indonesian fashion SMEs have significant export opportunities, but their export performance remains suboptimal as not all businesses are able to convert innovation, digitalisation, and market orientation into tangible international competitiveness. This study aims to analyse the determinants of Indonesian fashion SMEs’ export performance from the perspectives of the Resource-Based View and Internationalisation Theory. The study employs an explanatory quantitative approach using a cross-sectional survey design involving 200 owners or key managers of fashion SMEs in East Java, selected through purposive sampling. Data were analysed using SEM-PLS. Simulation results indicate that internal capabilities, international market orientation, and access to international networks have a positive influence on competitive advantage, whilst competitive advantage has a positive influence on export performance. Internal capabilities and access to international networks also demonstrate a significant direct influence on export performance, whilst international market orientation is not directly significant but operates through competitive advantage. The implication is that strategies to boost fashion SME exports should focus on strengthening innovation, quality, brand differentiation, and international market networks, rather than merely on symbolic digital adoption.  

The internationalisation of SMEs in the era of the global economy is still faced with low strategic readiness, limited innovation capacity, and sub-optimal digital transformation. This study aims to test a model of SME internationalisation strategy based on innovation and digital transformation. The study employs a quantitative approach using a cross-sectional survey design involving 200 owners or key managers of SMEs in East Java, selected through purposive sampling. Data were analysed using SEM-PLS through measurement model evaluation, structural model evaluation, and bootstrapping tests. The results indicate that innovation has a positive effect on digital transformation and internationalisation strategy, whilst digital transformation has a positive effect on internationalisation strategy. The indirect effect of innovation on internationalisation strategy via digital transformation is also significant, indicating partial mediation. These findings confirm that the internationalisation of SMEs becomes more effective when innovation and digital transformation are coherently integrated into business models and external market orientation. Implicitly, strengthening the global competitiveness of SMEs requires simultaneous intervention in business model renewal, digital capabilities, and policy ecosystem support.

The international competitiveness of Indonesian fashion SMEs still faces challenges, despite the sector having a large business base, strong export opportunities, and increasingly widespread access to digital technology. In this context, product innovation and digital capabilities are viewed as strategic resources that can strengthen SMEs’ ability to adapt and compete in broader markets. This study aims to analyse the influence of product innovation and digital capabilities on the international competitiveness of Indonesian fashion SMEs. The research employs an explanatory quantitative approach with a cross-sectional survey design. The sample consists of 200 owners or key managers of SMEs in East Java, selected via purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using SEM-PLS. The results indicate that product innovation and digital capabilities have a positive and significant effect on international competitiveness, with digital capabilities acting as the dominant predictor. The implication is that efforts to strengthen the international competitiveness of fashion SMEs should be directed towards the integration of market-based innovation and strategic digital transformation.

Increasingly digitalised and globally integrated market competition demands that micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) no longer merely excel in local markets, but are also capable of building sustainable competitiveness in broader markets. Recent literature indicates that innovation, digital capabilities, and international networks are increasingly viewed as strategic determinants of MSME competitiveness, although the relationships between these variables are often examined in isolation and are not always consistent. This study aims to analyse the influence of innovation, digital capabilities, and international networks on the global competitiveness of MSMEs. The research employs an explanatory quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design. The sample consists of 200 owners or principal managers of SMEs in East Java, selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire and analysed using Structural Equation Modelling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The results of the analysis indicate that innovation, digital capabilities, and international networks have a positive and significant influence on the global competitiveness of SMEs. The path coefficient values indicate that digital capabilities are the strongest predictor, followed by international networks and innovation. These findings confirm that strengthening the global competitiveness of MSMEs requires an integrated strategy that links value renewal, digital transformation, and the sustainable development of external networks.

This study examines the export barriers encountered by emerging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia, with a focus on export documentation challenges, tariff constraints, and the adaptive marketing strategies employed to sustain international market engagement. Employing a qualitative case study approach, this research investigates PT Albarka International Group, a nascent export-import company established in 2021 and headquartered in Malang, East Java, which specializes in the export of natural commodities including Bakhur-related materials (opercula shells, damar resin, agarwood), spices, and other Indonesian products to Middle East markets including Yemen, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Libya, Sudan, and Djibouti. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with key company personnel and supplemented by document analysis. Findings reveal three primary export barriers: (1) high shipping tariffs relative to regional competitors, frequently triggering order cancellations by importers; (2) complex and time-intensive export documentation requirements, particularly for regulated natural resource products subject to CITES compliance, fish quarantine certification (Health Certificate), and customs declaration (PEB); and (3) internal organizational constraints stemming from overlapping job roles. In response, PT Albarka has adopted adaptive strategies including Full Container Load (FCL) consolidation to reduce per-unit shipping costs, advance payment systems (TT in advance) to mitigate importer default risk, and collaborative consultation with customs and quarantine authorities. The study contributes to the SME internationalization literature by demonstrating how resource-constrained emerging exporters navigate institutional and logistical complexities in developing economy contexts, offering practical insights for SME practitioners and export policy stakeholders.

Donorojo Village, Pacitan Regency, East Java, has significant agricultural potential, particularly in spice commodities. However, the utilization of spices by local farmers remains limited to the sale of raw materials in traditional markets at relatively low prices and with restricted market reach. In fact, spices have high economic value and strong potential to be developed into value-added products, such as herbal beverages. This community service activity aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of the PKK women’s group in Donorojo Village in processing spice-based “biofarmaka” as an effort to empower the local economy and strengthen the spice value chain. The methods employed included lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on practice, conducted over five days at the Donorojo Village Hall and involving 20 participants. The products generated from this activity included “jahe gajah beverage”, “instan jahe merah”, “instan beras kencur”, and “instan kunir asem”. The results indicated an improvement in participants  understanding of the health benefits of spices, hygienic processing stages, and their ability to produce instant herbal beverage products. Furthermore, this activity has the potential to strengthen linkages between spice farmers as raw material suppliers and the PKK group as processing actors. The development of spice-based “biofarmaka” provides economic value addition, expands market opportunities, and encourages the growth of rural entrepreneurship. Therefore, spice-based “biofarmaka” processing training can serve as a strategy for rural agro-industry development that supports the improvement of economic stability in Donorojo Village.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a vital role in Indonesia's economy with a contribution of more than 60 percent to the Gross Domestic Product and the absorption of 97 percent of the national workforce, but their participation in international trade is still low with only 14 percent involved in export activities. This research aims to analyze the challenges and opportunities faced by MSMEs in accessing the global market and identify adaptation strategies developed by entrepreneurs. A qualitative method with a phenomenological approach was applied through in-depth interviews with 18 export-oriented MSME owners and managers in East Java who were selected by purposive sampling. Thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti revealed seven main challenges including limited access to capital, complexity of export regulations, constraints on production capacity and quality consistency, language and cross-cultural communication barriers, lack of international market information, logistics infrastructure problems, and intensive competition. On the other hand, four strategic opportunities were identified, namely increasing demand for sustainable authentic products, accelerating digitalization and e-commerce, utilizing free trade agreements, and ethical consumerism trends. MSMEs develop effective adaptation strategies in the form of strategic collaboration, product differentiation with  premium positioning, the use of digital technology, and a focus on  specific market niches. The research emphasizes that the successful internationalization of MSMEs requires a holistic approach integrating internal capacity building with the support of a conducive external ecosystem.

This study aims to analyze the financial performance of the East Java Provincial Government based on the Budget Realization Report (LRA) for the 2022–2024 period. This study is important to assess the effectiveness of revenue achievement and the efficiency of regional expenditure management. The research method used is quantitative descriptive with secondary data in the form of Budget Realization Reports obtained through documentation techniques. Data analysis was performed using financial ratio analysis, namely effectiveness and efficiency ratios. The results show that the revenue performance of the East Java Provincial Government is in the highly effective category, as reflected in the realization of revenue that was able to reach and even exceed the budget target. However, regional expenditure performance is still considered inefficient because the realization of expenditure is close to the set budget. The conclusion of this study shows that even though revenue optimization has been achieved, the local government still needs to improve expenditure control so that regional financial management becomes more efficient in the future.

Regional economic development requires a comprehensive understanding of the structure, potential, and dynamics of economic sectors so that formulated policies can be targeted and sustainable. Bojonegoro Regency as one of the regions in East Java Province has unique economic characteristics with the dominance of certain sectors, so it is necessary to conduct an in-depth analysis of the economic sectors that play a role in driving regional growth. This study aims to identify basic and non-basic sectors, analyze the dynamics of changes in economic sectors, and assess the sectoral competitiveness of Bojonegoro Regency compared to East Java Province. This study uses a quantitative approach with secondary data in the form of Gross Regional Domestic Product at constant prices by business field obtained from the Central Statistics Agency. The analytical methods used include Location Quotient, Dynamic Location Quotient, and Shift Share. The results show that the mining and quarrying sector remains the sector with the most dominant relative advantage in the economic structure of Bojonegoro Regency. However, the analysis of dynamics and competitiveness indicates that several non-extractive sectors are starting to show faster development and growth potential. This finding suggests an opportunity for transformation of the regional economic structure towards a more diverse pattern. The implications of this research emphasize the importance of regional economic development strategies that do not only rely on traditional leading sectors, but also encourage the development of more sustainable potential sectors.

The spread of Islam in Java represents a crucial phase in the historical development of Islam in Indonesia, which occurred peacefully and gradually. This study employs a qualitative approach through literature review, aiming to analyze this dynamic through a socio cultural psychological lens. It explores how Islamic values were accepted, adapted, and internalized by the Javanese society, which already possessed a strong social and cultural system.The research is designed to evaluate the interaction between individuals and groups within the socio cultural context, and to examine how social and cultural developments influenced the community’s openness to Islamic teachings. Key figures in the spread of Islam in Java, such as the Wali Songo and scholars from the Middle East, applied intelligent and contextualized da'wah (Islamic propagation) strategies by integrating Islamic values into local cultural elements such as art, language, and traditions.The findings reveal that the success of Islamization in Java was greatly influenced by Islam’s ability to harmoniously acculturate with local culture, as well as through psychological mechanisms such as social identification, collective acceptance, and reinterpretation of religious values. Therefore, the socio cultural psychological approach provides significant insight into understanding the unique and contextual characteristics of Islam’s spread in Java.

The strategic role of SMEs in the Indonesian economy and the phenomena of declining performance as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic motivated author to research this sector. Various internal problems make it difficult for SMEs to improve their performance and competitiveness in a competitive business environment. Using the dynamic capability perspective, this study examines the influence of human resource configuration through employee training and organizational culture which is able to encourage innovation that improves SME performance. This study uses purposive sampling technique and data collection is done through questionnaires and interviews with 122 SMEs in East Java. Data analysis is carried out using PLS SEM. The research results show that employee training does not have a direct effect on SME performance, however employee training is able to encourage innovation which has an impact on improving SME performance On the other hand, organizational culture has a significant direct and indirect effect on SME performance trough innovation. Results of this study can be used as a consideration by SME owners in making business decisions in order to improve their performance. From the theoretical side, the results of this study confirm the dynamic capability theory by Teece and Pisano regarding the key role of innovation and Becker's opinion from a human resource management perspective which states that employee training must be designed systematically according to the long-term needs of the organization in order to have an impact on improving organizational performance.