Minister for SMEs Encourages Empowerment of Female Entrepreneurs on Rinca Island

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM), particularly for female entrepreneurs in remote areas, through various financing and mentoring programmes. Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) Maman Abdurahman stated that enhancing the people’s economy through programmes run by PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) is one of the government’s main instruments in curbing extreme poverty. “PNM serves as the spearhead in efforts to address and eradicate extreme poverty. Interventions are focused on communities in the lowest deciles one and two, who most need the state’s presence,” Maman said in an official statement on Thursday (30/4/2026). This support is provided through affordable financing access and sustainable business mentoring. This approach is considered effective in reducing community dependence on harmful informal lending practices. According to Maman, the government is committed to remaining present among the people, especially for vulnerable groups. The Ministry of UMKM consistently expands financing access and empowerment through collaborations with various parties, including PNM. PNM Corporate Secretary Dodot Patria Ary added that they not only provide financing but also comprehensive mentoring for business actors. “We believe that every financing must be accompanied by training. The strength of the national economy lies in the grassroots, and these mother customers are the main drivers of the economy in their regions,” he said. The PNM Mekaar empowerment programme in Pasir Panjang Village, Rinca Island, is known to target mostly female entrepreneurs. This is part of efforts to encourage family economic independence while strengthening the local economy. “We are here to meet directly with UMKM entrepreneurs in Pasir Panjang Village, who are mostly women, and to ensure this programme runs well,” he said.