Eramet Indonesia, the Indonesian branch of the French global mining and metallurgy company Eramet, in collaboration with YCAB Foundation, officially launched LAKSMI (Langkah Aksi Kapasitas Sosial Mikro untuk Inklusi) in Ternate. The LAKSMI program is designed to support ultra-micro women-led MSMEs in Jakarta and Ternate through an integrated approach that includes training, mentoring, and access to capital, aimed at strengthening business capacity and encouraging sustainable growth.
The launch was marked through the LAKSMI Local Kick-Off & Community Talk event held at Bela Hotel on Wednesday (21/2/2026). The event was attended by North Maluku Governor Sherly Tjoanda Laos, CEO of Eramet Indonesia Jérôme Baudelet, and Founder & CEO of YCAB Foundation Veronica Colondam. The program agenda included a local MSME product showcase, community dialogue, and networking sessions among stakeholders.
“As a female leader, I see extraordinary potential among women MSME entrepreneurs in Ternate. Support from the private sector such as Eramet and organizations like YCAB is crucial in closing the gap in access to knowledge and financing. I hope this program becomes a catalyst for women in North Maluku to become more independent, innovative, and highly competitive,” said Governor Sherly Tjoanda Laos in her remarks.
The selection of Ternate as one of the implementation areas was based on the strong potential of women entrepreneurs in North Maluku, particularly in the ultra-micro sector, who still face various challenges such as limited access to business training, digital technology adoption, continuous mentoring, and financing opportunities. As the economic center of North Maluku, Ternate plays a strategic role in driving women’s economic empowerment and strengthening the local economy.
CEO of Eramet Indonesia Jérôme Baudelet explained that this program is an extension of the LAKSMI initiative first launched in Jakarta in September 2024. The initiative is part of Eramet’s global Women for Future program, which promotes women’s economic empowerment in countries where the company operates.
“North Maluku holds a special place for us. This region is not only home to the operations of Weda Bay Nickel, but also a community we wish to support as it continues to grow and develop,” said Jérôme.
He added that the program aligns with Eramet’s broader commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable economy. “LAKSMI is not only about improving business capacity, but also about strengthening confidence, expanding networks, and increasing access to broader economic opportunities for ultra-micro women entrepreneurs in Ternate,” he added.
During the implementation phase in Ternate, the LAKSMI program will provide financial literacy and digital marketing training to 200 ultra-micro women entrepreneurs. At the end of the program, 25 selected participants will receive business grants to support sustainable business development. The selection process will be based on several indicators, including increased knowledge, active participation, digital skills, and commitment to business growth.
“Financial literacy is a protective shield for their businesses so they do not merely survive, but grow and thrive. Through LAKSMI, we provide a curriculum that is relevant to today’s digital needs and responsible access to financing. We are proud to partner with Eramet Indonesia in creating an ecosystem that supports the big dreams of women entrepreneurs in Ternate,” said Veronica Colondam.
YCAB Foundation also shared that the initial implementation of LAKSMI in Jakarta exceeded its original targets. A total of 460 women-led MSMEs successfully completed chatbot-based online training, surpassing the target of 400 participants. More than 190 participants then joined advanced MasterClass sessions with a completion rate of 82%, exceeding the 80% target. The program also selected 100 women-led MSMEs for further mentoring sessions, while more than half of participants demonstrated increased knowledge after completing the training.
Through the LAKSMI program, Eramet Indonesia and YCAB Foundation reaffirm their commitment to supporting inclusive women’s economic empowerment. The program is expected to generate long-term impact on local economic growth and strengthen the ecosystem of women-led MSMEs in North Maluku.