MSMEs Minister Maman Abdurrahman emphasized that the program is vital, as women play a crucial role in strengthening the national economy through their contribution to the MSME sector.
"Currently, 64.5 percent of the total MSMEs in Indonesia are run by women. This is not a small figure. This represents real economic power," he remarked during the program's launch event in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The minister underscored that women entrepreneurs face serious challenges, with the primary obstacles being access to finance and management skills.
Abdurrahman, referencing data from the World Bank and the World Economic Forum, noted that 740 million women worldwide still do not have bank accounts, making it difficult for them to secure optimal financing.
In addition, he noted that 73 percent of women in the business sector lack sufficient access to business mentoring, despite its importance for developing business capacity and building networks.
To address this challenge, the LAKSMI program has been designed to bolster business capacity, offer tiered training, and support access to financing.
"The LAKSMI program is a manifestation of our commitment to realizing an inclusive and sustainable business ecosystem," he remarked.
The minister expressed hope that the program would provide women with training, guidance, and opportunities to level up and expand their businesses.
He explained that in the initial stage, the program will cover 1,200 women entrepreneurs comprising 800 in Jakarta and 400 in Ternate, North Maluku. Participants will receive financial literacy and digital marketing training.
Of the total, the top 50 participants from Jakarta and the top 25 from Ternate will be awarded grants.
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Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
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