Telkom Encourages Women's SMEs to Penetrate Wider Markets
PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (Telkom) is organising the Kartini BISA Fest from 20-24 April 2026 at Telkom Hub in South Jakarta. This event represents a strengthening of various strategic initiatives undertaken by the Telkom Group to support the empowerment of SME actors in Indonesia.
The Kartini BISA Fest serves as a manifestation of efforts to empower women through enhancing business capacities as well as utilising and promoting digital technology literacy. The series of programmes and initiatives presented include training, certification facilitation, and product branding strengthening to increase the competitiveness of women’s UMKM in both domestic and global markets.
Telkom’s President Director, Dian Siswarini, attended and provided support for the women’s and SME empowerment agenda being implemented.
“The Kartini BISA Fest celebration over four days is extraordinary because it not only involves women but also men who play an active role. The Kartini Day momentum serves as a reminder for us all to take Kartini’s struggle values and adapt them to today’s all-digital life. Therefore, it is important for us to continue learning, understanding, and utilising technology to create broader impacts,” she stated, as quoted on Thursday (30/4/2026).
The Kartini BISA Fest event represents the implementation of the company’s “BISA” culture (Bravery, Integrity, Service Excellence, Agility), which places collaboration and innovation as the main foundation. In this series of activities, Telkom presents various integrated programmes, starting from a culinary bazaar involving 40 women’s UMKM, a cybersecurity seminar attended by more than 350 participants to increase data protection awareness, to training on utilising artificial intelligence (AI) to support efficiency in creating creative content and digital marketing.
As a leading digital telco company to advance society, Telkom is committed to strengthening women’s roles through sustainable Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) programmes. Of the total more than 112,000 mentored UMKM, 73,152 of them are female business actors who actively participate in digital-based mentoring programmes.
These efforts not only focus on increasing individual capacities but also on creating an inclusive, collaborative digital ecosystem capable of driving sustainable economic growth. As a concrete step in improving product competitiveness, Telkom also provides strategic support through the Packfest programme by distributing 500,000 printed packaging aids. In addition, the company facilitates free halal certification for 2,250 women’s UMKM.
This initiative aims to strengthen product branding and legality aspects, so that UMKM not only excel in creativity but also meet the standards needed to compete in modern and international markets.
The support also reaches UMKM actors with disabilities as part of Telkom’s commitment to providing equal access and ensuring that digital transformation can be felt by all levels of society. With an inclusive approach, Telkom encourages the creation of a business ecosystem that is not only productive but also fair and sustainable.
As part of the series of activities, Dian also symbolically handed over halal certification assistance and packaging grants to representatives of mentored UMKM. This handover embodies the company’s support in encouraging Indonesian women to continue developing their capacities, daring to take opportunities, and maximising their potential in facing the dynamics of the digital era.
Women have a strategic role as drivers of the national economy as well as promoters of a resilient and inclusive business ecosystem. Data from the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemenkomdigi) in 2025 records that 64.5% or around 37 million UMKM actors in Indonesia are run by women.
However, behind this great potential, there are still challenges in terms of product legality and standardisation. Data from the Halal Product Guarantee Organising Agency (BPJPH) in 2025 shows that only about 35% of UMKM have halal certification, which is an important factor in increasing consumer trust and expanding market access. Furthermore, Dian reaffirmed the company’s commitment to promoting UMKM empowerment through the utilisation of digital technology.
“As a technology company, Telkom has a responsibility to expand access and increase digital literacy across all levels of society. Our focus on UMKM mentoring is part of those efforts. Through digitalisation and standardisation, we hope that mentored UMKM actors not only grow independently but are also able to create broader economic impacts for their surroundings,” Dian explained.
More than just a celebration, the Kartini BISA Fest is an implementation of Telkom’s strategy in building an inclusive and competitive digital ecosystem. This programme aligns with the achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goal 5 (Gender Equality) and goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Through various integrated initiatives, Telkom is committed to continuing to accompany Indonesian women to become more empowered, innovative, and capable of contributing to strengthening the national economic foundation as well as driving inclusive and sustainable digital growth.