ANALYSIS OF MICRO AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS' PERCEPTIONS OF THE BENEFITS OF SHARIA INSURANCE IN MANAGING BUSINESS RISKS

: This study aims to analyze the perceptions of Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) owners towards the benefits of sharia insurance in managing business risks. This research is located in Serdang Bedagai, using a case study-based qualitative research method. Data was obtained through interviews with 10 owner research informants, who were selected based on the coverage of various business sectors and income levels. The results revealed that MSE owners have a positive perception of the benefits of Islamic insurance in managing business risks. Although the understanding of Islamic insurance is limited, MSE owners who have not adopted Islamic insurance have varied perspectives according to their understanding and needs. The majority expressed readiness to use sharia insurance if the premium is affordable and the benefits are as needed. However, there are also those who still need further education regarding the concept and halalness of Islamic insurance products. This positive perception shows the potential for growth and adoption of sharia insurance in Serdang Bedagai Regency. However, there are also challenges, namely that there are still owners who do not fully understand the basic principles of sharia insurance.


INTRODUCTION
Serdang Bedagai Regency, located in the central part of North Sumatra province, is one of the regions in Indonesia that has considerable potential for micro and small business development.Rapid economic growth and high business dynamics in Indonesia provide ample exploration space for micro and small enterprises to grow and develop.The independence of a nation is characterized by the number of micro and small-scale entrepreneurs who are able to contribute to the economic movement of a country.(Lubis et al., 2020), including in Serdang Bedagai Regency.
Micro and small enterprises are often run by individuals or families with limited resources and significant business risks.While micro and small enterprises have great growth potential, they are also exposed to various risks.One of the main challenges faced by micro and small enterprises is managing business risks that could be detrimental to their business continuity and development.In the face of increasingly complex business risks, financial protection is a necessity that cannot be ignored.Insurance, as an instrument that provides protection against risks, is a relevant and strategic choice.
One of the growing forms of insurance is sharia insurance, which follows Islamic principles in its operations.Sharia insurance offers an alternative business risk protection that is in accordance with Islamic economic beliefs and principles.(Sulaeman et al., 2023).In this context, Islamic insurance has great potential to provide protection and financial stability to micro and small business owners.Islamic insurance, which is based on Islamic principles, offers a risk-based solution that conforms to the principles of fairness and equity.
However, despite its great potential, there is still a lack of understanding and uncertainty among micro and small business owners about the true benefits of Islamic insurance.(Andini & Maghfiroh, 2022;Sagala, 2019).
Based on an interview with one micro and small business owner in  Khairiyah et al., 2022;Sari, 2021).

METHOD
This research uses a case studybased qualitative research method by adopting the theory popularized by Robert K Yin.(Yin, Robert K., 2003).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In analyzing the perceptions of indicates that the adoption of Islamic insurance is not only about product availability, but also the affordability and relevance of the benefits offered to micro and small business owners.(Priyatno et al., 2020).
In addition, it should be noted that the approach to Islamic insurance can also be influenced by cultural and social factors within the micro Third, sharia insurance acts as a savings and investment instrument that provides longterm benefits.This shows that sharia insurance not only provides financial benefits when needed, but also helps participants in planning their future wisely.

CONCLUSION
and small enterprises in the region, including their economic, demographic, and business sector profiles.This survey helped collect baseline data that served as the foundation for sample selection.This was followed by primary data collection through in-depth interviews and structured questionnaires.Interviews were conducted to gain a more in-depth perspective on micro and small business owners' attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge regarding Islamic insurance.The collected data was then analyzed using relevant methods, such as descriptive analysis to detail the general profile of micro and small businesses.As such, this research process focused on an in-depth exploration of the perceptions of micro and small business owners in Serdang Bedagai Regency.By using a sample that represents the diversity of micro and small businesses, this research seeks to make an important contribution in better understanding the potential adoption of Islamic insurance among micro and small business owners and its contribution to business risk management.The results show that the community of micro and small business owners in Serdang Bedagai district have a rich and diverse picture of the benefits of Islamic insurance in managing business risks.With a limited understanding of Islamic insurance, it is unexpected that many micro and small business owners have a positive perception of Islamic insurance that can support economic growth and sustainability of MSEs in this area.The results of the study explain that there are several perceptions, namely: to sharia-compliant financial services in Serdang Bedagai Regency.In this context, Islamic insurance is not only seen as a tool to protect business assets, but also as a means to build solid financial resilience in the long run.With the wider adoption of sharia insurance, it is expected that there will be an increase in the stability of the micro and small economy, as well as strengthening the foundation of the local economy as a whole by providing better protection against various risks faced by businesses in the area.(Maleha, 2015;Nadilla, 2023).2. However, other views emerge from various segments of society that own micro and small businesses, which do not feel covered by Islamic insurance.This perspective is highly influenced by the understanding, trust and individual needs of each business owner.Most of them expressed readiness to utilize Islamic insurance if it is offered with premiums that are in line with their financial capabilities and benefits that can meet specific needs.This Based on the results and discussion of the research on the perceptions of micro and small business owners in Serdang Bedagai Regency towards the benefits of Islamic insurance, it can be concluded that micro and small business owners have a rich and diverse understanding of the benefits of Islamic insurance in managing business risks.Despite the variation in perceptions, the interview results show that most micro and small business owners have a positive view of sharia insurance, considering it as an instrument of comprehensive protection, a source of security, and a form of mutual help among participants.While limited understanding of sharia insurance is a challenge, it does not hinder the potential growth and adoption of sharia insurance in Serdang Bedagai Regency.Micro and small business owners expressed readiness to use sharia insurance, especially if premiums areaffordable and benefits suit their business needs.Nonetheless, some micro and small business owners still require further education to understand the concept and benefits of sharia insurance as well as assuage doubts regarding the halalness of the product.In conclusion, the interviews highlighted a diversity of views among micro and small business owners,