Indonesian Women Encouraged to Level Up, from Local Markets to Global Players
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The role of women in global trade is deemed worthy of enhancement. Several female leaders in Indonesia believe that the key is not merely opening access, but ensuring women are truly ready to compete from the most basic level.
Deputy Chair of the National Economic Council, Mari Elka Pangestu, emphasised that the initial step begins with the domestic market. Women business actors need to be equipped with basic skills such as financial recording, product quality understanding, and food safety standards before stepping into the international market.
According to the former Minister of Trade, many women business actors are still hindered by simple matters like bookkeeping to meeting product standards. However, she said, aspects like quality, packaging, and branding are the main determinants for products to be accepted in the global market.
“Having a product is not enough. The quality must be clear, the packaging, to how to build a brand,” said Mari in the Top Woman Fest 2026 talkshow at Sarinah, Jakarta, on Saturday (25/4/2026).
The government is said to have provided various facilities, from export training to financing support through institutions like the Indonesia Export Financing Agency (LPEI). Mari said that digital platforms and e-commerce also open new opportunities for women-led SMEs to penetrate the global market without needing physical expansion first.
On the other hand, challenges do not only come from business aspects, but also the work environment. Director of Communication, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Unilever Indonesia, Nurdiana Darus, highlighted the importance of systemic support, both in companies and within families. This, she said, allows women to remain productive and develop as leaders.
She exemplified policies like work from anywhere and daycare facilities, which are seen as able to help women stay active in work without leaving family roles. In addition, confidence issues remain a major barrier. Many women experience impostor syndrome, the feeling of being unworthy of a certain position despite having the ability.
“Sometimes women feel not worthy enough, whereas when they are at the same table, they can actually excel,” said Nurdiana.
Support from mentors and sponsors is considered important to address this. According to her, sponsors do not have to be women, as cross-gender collaboration can actually help break stereotypes in the work world.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Cooperatives Farida Farichah believes that pressure and competition in careers are unavoidable, including for women. She emphasised the importance of working according to the rules, giving the best, and building communication with various parties.
“As long as we work according to the rules and continue to build relations, those threats can be managed,” she said.
The same sentiment was expressed by Managing Director of Danantara Asset Management, Febriany Eddy. She emphasised the importance of finding purpose in work, not just chasing positions.
She said that when someone focuses on the impact produced for society, work pressure will feel lighter and more meaningful.
“This is not about my career, but about the impact that can be given,” she said.
President Director of Inalum, Melati Sarnita, added that personal branding and confidence are important factors for women to survive and develop in male-dominated industries. She also emphasised the importance of mentoring, both formal and informal, as a way to learn and broaden perspectives.
“Know your strengths and build identity. That’s what makes others trust,” she said.
From a combination of capacity building, systemic support, and confidence, Indonesian women are seen to have great opportunities not only to become actors, but also major players in global trade.