More Than Just Capital: PNM Mekaar Empowerment Helps Underprivileged Communities Avoid Loan Sharks

Jakarta – The struggle of a mother to provide for her family often involves a difficult and uncertain path. For Eros Rosita, every day is a relentless effort, especially with her children unwell. Having previously no steady income, she decided to seek hope by joining PNM Mekaar and launching Mawar Bodas, a handicraft business producing curtains, scarves, and creative snacks. She was determined to provide a better life for her family. Weekly group meetings are crucial for Eros to learn, share experiences, and receive intensive mentoring. ‘Initially, I was just trying to survive,’ Eros stated on Monday, 1 June 2026. ‘But through PNM’s guidance, I learned to manage my business more strategically, improve product quality, and expand my market.’ Slowly, Mawar Bodas is no longer just a small business; its products now boast better quality, greater variety, and the stability that was once hard to achieve. Moreover, thanks to her perseverance, Eros participated in PNM’s three-month Mekaarpreneur incubation programme, emerging as the second-place winner—a proud achievement that fuels her motivation to grow further. ‘I am deeply grateful for this mentorship. Now, I can not only meet my family’s needs but also feel more confident to innovate and expand my business,’ Eros said. Eros Rosita’s transformation is a testament that PNM Mekaar’s empowerment and mentoring go beyond mere capital provision. This support has fundamentally altered her approach to opportunities, financial management, time allocation, and self-confidence. From a mother struggling merely to survive, Eros now ignites new hope for her family and paves the way for a more stable and meaningful future. On a broader scale, financing and empowerment for underprivileged communities like Eros play a vital role in providing safer, more structured, and sustainable access to capital. Many ultra-micro entrepreneurs, constrained by limited funds, often fall prey to unhealthy financing options, including loan sharks.