No. 28/168/DKom
The expansion of an inclusive economy and finance for women must continue to be strengthened. Based on 2025 data released by BPS-Statistics Indonesia, 64.5% of MSMEs in Indonesia are managed by women. In the creative economy sector, women account for 58.39% of the workforce. This important role must be accompanied by equal empowerment, including financial literacy, income, access to formal financial services, capacity building and participation in economic decision-making. Greater empowerment of women is expected to strengthen the welfare of families and communities, while supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth. That was the key takeaway delivered by the Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia, Filianingsih Hendarta, at the Inclusion Talk, entitled Empowered and Prosperous, Women Can. The Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, also attended the event, which was organised by Bank Indonesia as part of the Karya Kreatif Indonesia (KKI) 2026 series at JICC, Jakarta, on 21st August 2026.
At the event, Bank Indonesia and Women's World Banking (WWB) also launched a study, entitled Towards a Gender-Responsive Inclusive Business Model: Lessons from Subsistence Groups in Indonesia. The study serves as a reference for stakeholders and women's empowerment advocates to jointly strengthen synergy in efforts to empower MSMEs, particularly women-led MSMEs.
Deputy Governor Filianingsih emphasised the importance of stakeholder synergy in strengthening financial literacy and inclusion, particularly for women and vulnerable groups. In line with the spirit of KKI 2026, Beudaya MeusareSare, efforts to empower women through an inclusive economy and finance must also be pursued collectively. “The broader the access and opportunities available to women, the sustainable impact on the national economy," she stated.
The Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, stated, “Women's empowerment is not merely an equality agenda but also a strategy for inclusive economic development." Women need broader access to finance, knowledge, technology, markets and economic decision-making. Expanding such access can generate broader benefits for families, communities and the national economy. “The successful empowerment of women cannot be achieved by the Government alone. We need collaboration among all stakeholders," she concluded.
Bank Indonesia continues promoting women's empowerment, including through the Inclusive Economy and Finance Program for Subsistence Groups, most of whose members are women. The program, which has been implemented since 2021, is now being replicated across all Bank Indonesia Domestic Representative Offices. The Bank Indonesia and WWB study forms part of the efforts to strengthen the program, making it more responsive to women's needs. Program enhancements include applying the principles of Access, Participation, Control and Benefits (APKM), strengthening women's representation and leadership, as well as utilising adaptive and inclusive digital technology.
The Inclusion Talk featured Rorokenes entrepreneur, Syanaz Nadya Winanto Putri, and Women's World Banking Senior Policy Strategist for Southeast Asia, Desi Vicianna. The speakers shared perspectives and experiences concerning income enhancement, financial literacy and building group capacity as important aspects of promoting the economic empowerment of women. The event was attended by representatives from government ministries/agencies, the financial services industry, international organisations, regional governments, academia and MSMEs.
Come and join KKI 2026 by visiting the exhibition in Halls A and B of JICC, Jakarta, or online via www.karyakreatifindonesia.co.id. Together, let us support Indonesian MSMEs to recover, become resilient and competitive, and serve as a source of national pride.
Jakarta, 21st August 2026
Communication Department
Ramdan Denny Prakoso
Executive Director
