PNM and PPI Open Market Access for Mekaar Clients

Having a quality product does not always mean having access to a broad market. For many ultra-micro entrepreneurs, locally distinctive processed foods and handicrafts continue to circulate within their immediate communities, even though there is considerable scope to reach more buyers.

The situation is reflected in a Bappenas study of micro and small businesses in Indonesia, published in 2025. Some 98 per cent of the businesses surveyed still served nearby markets. Only 10 per cent reached the national market, while 4 per cent served international markets. The figures point to significant potential for entrepreneurs to extend their reach.

For state-owned PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM), opening up market access is an important part of helping clients grow their businesses. PNM’s experience supporting ultra-micro enterprises shows that financing and the ability to produce goods need to be accompanied by opportunities to reach more buyers.

“In supporting ultra-micro businesses, we at PNM have learnt that having capital and producing goods alone is not enough. Another equally important challenge is how those products can reach more buyers,” said PNM Operations and Institutional Relations Director Lalu Dodot Patria Ary.

This challenge is also part of the everyday experience of PNM Mekaar clients. Many women produce everything from processed foods to regional handicrafts, but not all have access to distribution networks, bulk buyers or information about demand in broader markets.

PNM has sought to widen access through a partnership with state-owned PT Perusahaan Perdagangan Indonesia (PPI). The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) in BSD City, Tangerang, on Friday (16 October 2026).

Under the agreement, PNM and PPI will explore opportunities to develop market access and market products made by PNM-supported clients. The collaboration brings together the strengths of both companies: PNM’s close relationships with its clients and understanding of their business-development needs, and PPI’s trading experience and network, which could open the way to broader marketing opportunities.

“We see potential for complementary synergies. PNM is close to its clients and understands their business-development needs, while PPI has the experience and trading network to open the way to exploring broader marketing opportunities,” he said.

The companies will identify promising products made by PNM Mekaar clients and connect them with suitable market opportunities. The partnership is also expected to support sustainable economic growth among ultra-micro entrepreneurs.