Maria Josefa Fabiana Esomar, Sumiati, Risna Wijayanti, Siti Aisjah
Background/ problem: Rapid advancement of digital technology and financial innovation has created new opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, limited financial literacy and the digital divide continue to hinder the financial well-being of business actors, especially in archipelagic regions on Indonesia. Objective/ purpose: This study examined the inter-relations between financial literacy, digital financial inclusion, financial behavior, and financial well-being of maritime SME owners in Eastern Indonesia according to the theories of social learning and planned behavior. Design and Methodology: A survey of n = 303 SME owners was conducted using a quantitative approach. All constructs demonstrated acceptable reliability (α >. 70). Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Results: Financial literacy significantly influenced financial behavior (β =. 28, p <. 001) and financial well-being (β =. 49, p <. 001). Digital financial inclusion also significantly affected financial behavior (β =. 26, p <. 001) and financial well-being (β =. 16, p =. 01). Financial behavior predicted financial well-being (β =. 13, p =. 009) and mediated the effects of financial literacy (β =. 04, p =. 04) and digital financial inclusion (β =. 03, p =. 03). Conclusion and Implications: The findings confirm that financial literacy and digital financial inclusion promote SME owners' financial well-being through behavioral change. From a behavioral science perspective, interventions must expand literacy and digital tools while shaping attitudes, intentions, and habits. Policies integrating literacy, digital access, and community learning can foster resilience and financial well-being in coastal and island contexts. © 2025 Behavioral Science Research Institute.
Faculty of Economics and Business, Brawijaya University, Indonesia
