For many ultra-micro entrepreneurs, capital requirements often arise\nurgently to cover raw materials, orders, schooling, or pressing\nhousehold needs. In such situations, quick and easy loan services often\nbecome the first choice. However, behind this convenience, many\nindividuals face new burdens due to heavy repayment patterns and\nobligations that can threaten the sustainability of their\nbusinesses.<\/p>\n
The phenomenon of loan sharks and informal lending practices remains\na challenge for communities that lack full access to formal financial\nservices. For unbankable groups, limitations in documentation,\ncollateral, business scale, and financial literacy often act as barriers\nto obtaining safe and structured financing.<\/p>\n
In response, PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM), through its PNM\nMekaar programme, serves as a more inclusive financing access point for\nunderprivileged female ultra-micro entrepreneurs. PNM Mekaar provides\ncollateral-free, group-based financing, accompanied by Weekly Group\nMeetings (PKM). Beyond providing capital, PNM also offers empowerment\nthrough training, business mentoring, financial management, and capacity\nbuilding.<\/p>\n
PNM has served over 22.9 million female customers with a service\nnetwork spanning 58 branch offices and 6,165 districts across Indonesia.\nThroughout 2025, PNM has conducted 52,394 training sessions, reaching\n1,853,170 participants. This data demonstrates that empowerment is\nachieved not only through access to finance but also through an ongoing\nmentoring process.<\/p>\n
For customers, the presence of PNM Mekaar provides a space to learn\nbusiness management and build independence. Group meetings serve not\nonly as a place for repayments but also as a forum for mutual support,\nlearning, and ensuring business continuity. Female entrepreneurs do not\nwalk alone, as they are supported by both mentorship and a\ncommunity.<\/p>\n
Indriana, a PNM Mekaar customer from Depok who runs a fried snack\nbusiness, emphasised the importance of being wise when choosing capital\nsources. She noted that PNM Mekaar provides not only capital but also\nbusiness training and opportunities to expand markets through weekly\nmeetings. \u201cWomen who are the economic pillars of their families must be\nsmarter in managing businesses and obtaining capital. I choose PNM\nMekaar,\u201d said Indriana.<\/p>\n
Indriana also mentioned that being a PNM Mekaar customer offers\nbroader benefits, including financial, intellectual, and social capital\nto help develop her business.<\/p>\n
Similarly, Selly, another PNM Mekaar customer from Depok who runs a\nsalon and perfume business, stated that the programme helped her grow\nthrough financing and training. For her, access to financing accompanied\nby guidance provides a sense of security, as customers receive both\ncapital and business direction.<\/p>\n
Selly also experienced broader benefits for her family, ranging from\nmeeting household needs and schooling her children to participating in\nlocal social activities. \u201cDo not get trapped by loan sharks. If I want\nto avoid moneylenders, it is better to join PNM Mekaar, which has proven\nto advance my business and improve my family\u2019s welfare,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
This view aligns with the opinion of Professor Imam Widhiono from\nJenderal Soedirman University, who believes that one of the most\neffective ways to distance society from loan sharks is by increasing\ntheir income. According to him, financing and mentoring are the right\nsteps to ensure that people not only obtain capital but are also able to\ngrow their businesses more healthily.<\/p>\n
Through the Mekaar programme, PNM aims to provide a safer option for\nthose with limited access to formal financial services. Financing does\nnot stand alone as a mere loan; it serves as an entry point for the\nempowerment process.<\/p>\n
PNM believes that when ultra-micro women gain access to appropriate\nfinancing and sustainable mentoring, they are not only able to expand\ntheir businesses but also secure their families\u2019 futures. From small\ndaily businesses, the courage to be independent grows, allowing them to\nimprove their lives and move forward without resorting to difficult\nshortcuts.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/empowerment-and-increasing-customer-income-pnms-strategy-to-protect-society-from-loan-sharks-1780817232", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }