PNM and OJK Synergy Strengthens Aceh Women's MSMEs to Level Up
Capital is not the only determinant of whether an ultra-micro business can survive and grow. The ability to manage finances, understand risks, handle legalities, and read market opportunities are important provisions for a business to continue developing.
This approach is one of the focuses of the synergy between PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (Persero), or PNM, and the Financial Services Authority (OJK) in assisting women ultra-micro entrepreneurs in Aceh. Financing is provided together with strengthened literacy, so that customers not only gain access to capital but also knowledge to manage and develop their businesses.
PNM Director of Operations and Institutional Relations Lalu Dodot Patria Ary said financial literacy is an important part of customers’ journey towards a more independent business. “Financing needs to go hand in hand with appropriate financial literacy. Including sharia financial literacy, which is highly relevant to Aceh,” he said.
The approach is having an increasingly broad impact. As of 31 July 2026, 268,231 PNM Mekaar customers in Aceh have benefited from financing and mentoring. They are organised into 19,628 groups and supported by 1,300 Mekaar facilitators spread across 77 units throughout Aceh.
Mentoring is also directed at making customers’ businesses more ready to enter the formal business ecosystem. More than 56,714 customers have been assisted in obtaining a Business Identification Number (NIB), while a number of customers also now hold halal certificates. In addition, PNM has provided scholarships for 104 children of customers as part of efforts to promote family progress more comprehensively.
One illustration of this process can be seen in the journey of Nur Asma, owner of the business “Keripik Pisang Kak Nur”. A single parent with three children, she started her business in 2016 and it grew rapidly in 2024 after becoming a PNM Mekaar Syariah customer. Nur’s business is now at grade A with a financing ceiling of Rp 6 million. Nur also now has an NIB and halal certificate, assisted by PNM.
Nur’s banana chip business journey shows that when access to capital meets appropriate mentoring and knowledge, home-based businesses can have opportunities to develop further.
Banda Aceh Mayor Illiza Sa’aduddin Djamal also believes MSMEs need to continue developing their way of thinking and business management skills. According to her, even a business started from home still requires planning, market understanding, and good financial management.
“Do not feel discouraged if a business starts from a household kitchen. We sell our own products, we must believe, and we must be smart in managing finances, starting from determining the target market,” she said.
This message becomes increasingly relevant as small businesses begin to face a wider market. Products that attract consumer attention need to be accompanied by business management skills so that growth does not stop at a momentary trend. “A viral product without good management will only last a moment. There is no point in going viral if it is not managed well,” said Illiza.
The potential for MSME development in the “Veranda of Mecca” remains wide open. More than 4,400 business units operate in various sectors, ranging from agriculture, marine and fisheries, tourism, culinary, services, trade to processing industries. This potential can continue to be developed from a small scale through collaboration and sustainable mentoring.
The collaboration between PNM and OJK is part of efforts to strengthen this ecosystem. Financing, financial literacy, business mentoring, and legal strengthening are expected to help more women ultra-micro entrepreneurs in Aceh manage their businesses more orderly and open up opportunities to level up.