Inclusive Sharia Financing Arrives for Underprivileged Women

PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) continues to strengthen its commitment to providing financing services that are not only inclusive but also compliant with sharia principles. This move is part of PNM’s efforts to expand financial access for underprivileged communities, particularly women ultra-micro entrepreneurs who need business capital as well as sustainable mentoring. This commitment is reflected in the dominance of sharia-based financing in PNM’s portfolio. To date, 73 per cent of the total financing disbursed by PNM has utilised sharia schemes through the PNM Mekaar Syariah programme. This achievement demonstrates the high public interest in financial services that prioritise the principles of fairness, transparency, and benefit. The service is supported by an extensive network, encompassing 58 branch offices and more than 4,000 Mekaar service units spread across 36 provinces, 456 regencies/cities, reaching over 3,700 villages and sub-districts throughout Indonesia. PNM’s Director of Business and Human Resources, Henry Yunus Kamang Pangemanan, stated that developing sharia financing is not merely about offering an alternative financial product, but is part of PNM’s mission to create empowerment that is closer to the needs and values held by the community. ‘Sharia financing has a strategic role in expanding financial inclusion while strengthening community empowerment. Through sharia-based products, we not only provide access to capital but also deliver mentoring and business capacity building so that customers can grow sustainably, improve family welfare, and create a social impact for their surroundings,’ Henry said in a written statement on Friday, 26 June 2026. Unlike conventional financing, sharia financing at PNM is operated based on principles and contracts that prioritise transparency in transactions, avoiding elements of riba, gharar, and maysir, thereby providing a sense of security and comfort for customers. Beyond just financing, PNM also builds an empowerment ecosystem through business mentoring, training, character development, and improved financial literacy. This approach is PNM’s main strength in assisting underprivileged women to develop their businesses, increase family income, and gradually move up the economic ladder. With the support of more than 43,000 PNM Mekaar Account Officers, the majority of whom are women and high school graduates, PNM is optimistic that sharia financing will continue to be an important instrument in driving grassroots economic growth.