PNM Mekaar Helps Seamstress Support Five Families with a Single Sewing Machine
JAKARTA - The number of women who head households or act as primary breadwinners in Indonesia continues to rise. More than 16 per cent of households now depend on women as the family’s backbone.
Data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) reflects a reality that demands inclusive financing access to support these women’s struggles. A real example is Utari, a 58-year-old resident of Panjang Jiwo, Surabaya.
In 2019, her husband suffered a serious accident that left him unable to work, just as the Covid-19 pandemic struck Indonesia. In dire straits, she relied on her only skill — sewing — to survive.
“At that time I was confused about where to borrow capital. Then I heard information about PNM Mekaar. A neighbour said, ‘Just try Mekaar’. At the time I even asked, what is Mekaar?” said Utari.
Starting with a PNM Mekaar financing of Rp 2 million in 2019 — Rp 1 million for a second-hand sewing machine and the rest for materials — Utari now runs a souvenir bag business receiving orders from across the regions, and has even put both her children through university.
Seven years on, her loan has grown to Rp 8 million, and she has created jobs for four seamstresses in her neighbourhood. Five family breadwinners now work shoulder to shoulder in production, proving that empowering one woman can drive the economy around her.
PNM President Director Kindaris witnessed first-hand Utari’s struggle as a housewife who rose from nothing and is now an independent entrepreneur. Kindaris stressed that this is the true meaning of PNM’s empowerment mission.
“Growth is not merely about numbers, but about more pre-prosperous women having the chance to rise, run businesses, and improve their families’ lives. Utari is living proof that capital delivered in the right way not only changes one person’s life, but also opens opportunities for those around her,” he said.
Utari’s story reflects the real impact of the PNM Mekaar programme, which by 2026 had served more than 23 million customers across 36 provinces. Of these, 74 per cent reported increased income and 90 per cent felt the impact of financial independence after joining.
Utari experienced how PNM Mekaar is not merely a lender, but an empowerment partner providing marketing training, product strengthening, and digital literacy.
“Never stop working and praying, and manage your finances well,” was Utari’s message to fellow entrepreneurs.
A simple message from a woman who once stood at the lowest point of her life, but has now proven that the courage to start, no matter how small, is the first step towards change.