Source: SINDOnews.com
JAKARTA – Eramet, a global mining and metallurgy company from France, together with Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa (YCAB), has officially launched the LAKSMI program (Langkah Aksi Kapasitas Sosial Mikro untuk Inklusi). This initiative is part of Eramet’s global Women for Future program, which has been implemented in various countries where the company operates to support women’s economic empowerment.
In Indonesia, the program focuses on strengthening the capacity of women entrepreneurs, particularly in Jakarta and Ternate, in collaboration with YCAB— a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth and women through education, economic support, and digital inclusion.
The official launch took place at the SMESCO Building in Jakarta and was attended by Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Maman Abdurrahman, Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi, Governor of North Maluku Sherly Tjoanda Laos, CEO of Eramet Indonesia Jérôme Baudelet, and YCAB Secretary General Adelle Odelia Tanuri.
According to data from the Ministry of MSMEs, as of May 2025, Indonesia has approximately 57 million MSMEs, including ultra-micro enterprises. Of this total, 64.5%—or around 37 million businesses—are owned by women.
Despite their significant contribution, women ultra-micro entrepreneurs continue to face structural challenges, particularly in accessing capital, business mentorship, and digital technology. Currently, only about 12% of MSMEs have fully adopted digital technology in their operations.
Jérôme Baudelet, CEO of Eramet Indonesia, stated that as part of the company’s commitment to inclusive economic development through the Eramet Beyond program, they believe that empowering women plays a central role in driving stronger and more sustainable local economic growth.
“Through this collaboration, we hope the program can address the complex challenges faced by women MSME owners, such as limited access to mentors, capital, networks, and social expectations,” he said in a statement to the media in Jakarta on Tuesday (June 24, 2025).
Given the high number of women entrepreneurs, Jérôme expressed hope that the LAKSMI program would help overcome these challenges while strengthening their capacity and empowerment across Indonesia.
In its initial phase, the LAKSMI program will provide online financial literacy and digital marketing training to 600 women ultra-micro entrepreneurs in Jakarta and Ternate. At the end of the program, 75 selected participants will each receive a grant of USD 500 (approximately IDR 8 million).
The funding is intended to support sustainable business development. The selection process will be based on several indicators, including knowledge improvement, active participation, digital skills, and commitment to business growth.
YCAB Foundation Secretary General Adelle Odelia Tanuri welcomed the collaboration with Eramet through the LAKSMI program, noting that it aligns closely with YCAB Foundation’s mission to strengthen women’s roles in the economy.
“We believe that women’s economic empowerment is not just about income, but about creating sustainable change. Empowered women have a direct impact on their children, strengthen families, and build more resilient communities. That is where change begins, and where the cycle of poverty can be broken,” she said.
In his remarks, Minister of MSMEs Maman Abdurrahman expressed appreciation for the collaboration with YCAB. He emphasized that the government is strongly committed to prioritizing MSMEs, including those led by women, as part of national development efforts.
“We appreciate the LAKSMI program initiated by YCAB and all parties involved in this collaboration. This initiative demonstrates that strategic partnerships between the private sector and organizations can create real impact for Indonesian society, particularly in strengthening the role of MSMEs, especially women micro-entrepreneurs,” he said.
The program is designed to provide sustained support through capacity building, improved access to financing, market development opportunities, and expanded business networks.
“I hope this program will not only strengthen the local economy but also create more job opportunities while promoting gender equality,” he concluded.