Makassar Youth Develop AI App to Boost UMKM Sales

In the bustling city of Makassar, a group of forward-thinking young individuals has pioneered an innovative solution to empower local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM). Their creation, the Bisachat AI application, leverages the power of artificial intelligence to streamline customer communication on WhatsApp, a platform now central to many businesses' sales and marketing efforts. This initiative, launched in June 2025, directly addresses a critical pain point for UMKM: the overwhelming volume of messages and the difficulty in providing timely responses, which often leads to missed sales opportunities in today's competitive market.

“

The use of WhatsApp as the main business channel presents new challenges, including message backlog and slow responses from business actors, which can hinder sales.

Nurhaliza A. Arief, a Business Consultant for Bisachat AI, highlights the transformative potential of this technology. She explains that while many businesses experience high market demand, their capacity to manage customer interactions often lags behind. WhatsApp has evolved from a mere communication tool to an integral part of the sales funnel, from initial marketing to final transaction. However, the sheer increase in message volume frequently outstrips human resource capacity. Bisachat AI steps in as a crucial support system, offering automated and rapid responses, ensuring that no customer query goes unanswered, even beyond traditional operating hours.

From our perspective at Republika, this development is a source of great pride and optimism. It showcases the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit thriving within Indonesia's youth. While international coverage might focus on large-scale AI advancements, stories like Bisachat AI highlight the practical, ground-level impact of technology in empowering local economies. This isn't just about efficiency; it's about leveling the playing field for small businesses, enabling them to compete more effectively against larger corporations by optimizing their customer engagement.

“

Many businesses have high market demand but have not been able to optimally manage customer communication.

The Bisachat AI application represents a significant step forward for Makassar's UMKM community. By automating responses and improving communication efficiency, it allows business owners to focus on other critical aspects of their operations, such as product development and strategic planning. This technological leap not only enhances sales performance but also fosters a more professional and responsive business environment, ultimately contributing to the broader economic growth of the region. It's a clear demonstration of how accessible technology can drive tangible business success.

“

Bisachat AI is here as a solution with a system that can respond to customer messages automatically and quickly, even outside of business hours.