Sharia Economic and Management Business Journal (SEMBJ)
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2026): Sharia Economic and Management Business

Algorithmic Governance, Market Inequality, and MSME Resilience in Indonesia’s Digital Platform Economy: A Qualitative Study

Mohammad Nurul Ulin Nuha (Universitas Negeri Surabaya)
Dana Azizah Rahmat (Universitas Negeri Surabaya)
Muhammad Fajar Wahyudi Rahman (Universitas Negeri Surabaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
16 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background: Indonesia’s digital platform economy has expanded market access for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), yet prior studies have not sufficiently examined how algorithmic opacity interacts with capital constraints to produce differential visibility outcomes for MSMEs. Purpose: This study explores how algorithmic governance shapes MSME fragility and resilience in Indonesia’s digital platform economy by examining visibility dependence, unequal platform literacy, capital-based exposure, and collaborative adaptation. Method: Using a qualitative exploratory case-study design, this study draws on semi-structured interviews with MSME owners/managers operating on major Indonesian e-commerce platforms. The data were analyzed through iterative thematic coding, constant comparison, and source triangulation across participant accounts and supporting contextual documents. Results: The findings reveal five major themes: algorithmic opacity as a source of visibility fragility, cognitive stratification in MSME adaptation, capital fragility and unequal platform exposure, collaboration as collective resilience, and the need for fair platform governance and inclusive digital policy. These findings indicate that MSME resilience is not determined merely by access to digital platforms, but by sellers’ capacity to interpret algorithmic signals, mobilize resources, participate in collaborative networks, and operate within transparent and accountable platform ecosystems. Conclusion: The study shows that MSME resilience is shaped not only by digital adoption but also by sellers’ capacity to interpret algorithmic signals, mobilize resources, and participate in collaborative networks. This study contributes by positioning cognitive stratification as an analytical lens explaining how unequal platform literacy mediates algorithmic governance and MSME vulnerability.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

sembj

Publisher

Subject

Religion Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Computer Science & IT Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Other

Description

SEMB-J, sharia economic and management business journal is peer-reviewed journal published by Yayasan Darussalam Bengkulu. SEMB-J focus on the research of sharia economic and management business. The aim of this journal is to explore and develop economic management related to islamic and business. ...