According to the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as of May 2025, Indonesia recorded 57 million MSMEs, including Ultra Micro (UMi) enterprises. Of this number, 64.5%, which corresponds to approximately 37 million businesses, are managed by women. Despite this significant participation, women ultra micro entrepreneurs continue to face structural challenges, particularly in accessing capital, business mentoring, and leveraging digital technology. Currently, only around 12% of MSMEs have fully utilized digital tools to enhance their operations.
Recognizing these persistent gaps, Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa (YCAB), in collaboration with strategic partners, Eramet Indonesia and the Ministry of Micro, Small and Media Enterprises officially launched the LAKSMI (Langkah Aksi Kapasitas Sosial Mikro untuk Inklusi) program. This initiative is designed to strengthen the capacity of women entrepreneurs, particularly in Jakarta and Ternate, by addressing key barriers and promoting inclusive, sustainable growth.
In the first stage, LAKSMI will give online training in financial literacy and digital marketing to 600 women micro-entrepreneurs in these two cities over the next two years. After completing the training, 75 selected participants will each receive a USD 500 grant (around IDR 8 million) to help grow their businesses.
Selection will be based on several factors, including participants’ learning progress, level of engagement, digital proficiency, and dedication to growing their businesses.
The official launch of the program took place on 24 June 2025 at the SMESCO Building in Jakarta, and was attended by Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Maman Abdurrahman, Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi, Governor of North Maluku Sherly Tjoanda Laos, CEO of Eramet Indonesia Jérôme Baudelet, and Secretary General of YCAB (Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa) Foundation, Adelle Odelia Tanuri.
This moment marks the beginning of a shared commitment that reflects strong synergy between private companies, civil society organizations, and the Indonesian government, a collaboration capable of creating tangible impact by strengthening the role of MSMEs, especially women micro entrepreneurs.