Building the Independence of Millions of Women to Strengthen the Foundation of a People's Economy
Efforts to empower women through access to ultra-micro financing have once again received recognition. PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) was honoured as the Top Company in Ultra Micro Finance for Women Empowerment, an award given to companies deemed capable of delivering tangible impact in driving the economic independence of Indonesian women.
The recognition is not solely based on the volume of financing disbursed, but also on the empowerment model that PNM has implemented for millions of women ultra-micro entrepreneurs.
Through the Membina Ekonomi Keluarga Sejahtera (Mekaar) programme, the company, which is part of the Ultra Micro Holding, has reached underprivileged communities that struggle to access formal financial services.
To date, PNM has served more than 23 million active customers, all of whom are underprivileged women. This scale of service makes PNM the largest group-based ultra-micro financing institution in the world.
PNM Vice President Director Sunar Basuki stated that what sets PNM apart from other financing companies is an approach that does not stop at the disbursement of business capital.
“Behind the financing provided, there is a routine mentoring and empowerment process through Weekly Group Meetings (PKM). This serves as a space for customers to improve financial literacy, share business experiences, and strengthen social networks among fellow customers,” Sunar said.
In addition to access to unsecured loans, customers also receive business development training, financial literacy education, and training in utilising digital technology through the PNM Digi application, as well as facilitation of business legality such as Business Identification Numbers (NIB) and halal certification.
This approach is considered a key factor in increasing business capacity while strengthening the competitiveness of women ultra-micro entrepreneurs.
The award also reflects the significant contribution of women in supporting the family economy. The majority of Mekaar customers are housewives who start very small-scale businesses, ranging from trading, culinary ventures, and handicrafts, to home-based services.
With increased business capacity, they not only earn additional income but also act as drivers of the economy at the family and community levels.
Amid the economic challenges still faced by ultra-micro business groups, an empowerment model that combines access to capital, mentoring, and capacity building is considered an increasingly relevant approach.