Mekaar Programme Strengthens Economic Independence of Millions of Indonesian Women

The Mekaar (Membina Ekonomi Keluarga Sejahtera) programme, managed by PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM), continues to expand access to financing and mentoring for underprivileged women. By combining business capital, training, and empowerment, the programme is considered to have contributed to strengthening the economic independence of families while encouraging the growth of ultra-micro enterprises. To date, PNM has served more than 23 million active customers, all of whom are underprivileged women. This achievement makes the company, which is part of the Ultra Micro Holding, the world’s largest group-based microfinance institution. PNM Deputy President Director Sunar Basuki stated that the strength of the Mekaar Programme lies not only in the distribution of financing but also in the ongoing mentoring process provided to customers. "In addition to financing, customers receive routine business development training, financial literacy education, and digital technology utilisation through the PNM Digi application," Sunar said. The majority of Mekaar Programme beneficiaries are housewives running ultra-micro businesses, ranging from trading and culinary ventures to crafts and home-based services. As their businesses grow, they not only gain additional income but also play a role in driving the economy at the family and community levels. For its contribution to women’s empowerment through ultra-micro financing, PNM received the Top Company in Ultra Micro Finance for Women Empowerment award. This recognition reflects the company’s empowerment model, which focuses not only on capital distribution but also on strengthening the capacity of business actors to create more inclusive economic growth from the grassroots level.