No.28/226/DKom
Women's empowerment in the Islamic economy is key to increasing MSME productivity, strengthening household economic resilience, and enhancing the competitiveness of the national halal industry. This can be achieved by strengthening innovation, leveraging digital technology, expanding access to financing, and developing business networks. This was conveyed by Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor Senior Aida S. Budiman at the opening of the Conference on Women and Sharia Community Empowerment, held alongside Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi, as part of the 13th Indonesia Sharia Economic Festival (ISEF) 2026 in Jakarta (16/10).
Carrying the theme “Women Driving Innovation in the Halal Value Chain Ecosystem", the conference serves as a collaborative platform to strengthen the capacity and networks of women entrepreneurs, enabling them to foster innovation, enhance the competitiveness of halal products, and expand access to markets and financing.
Aida underscored the importance of synergy and digital transformation in accelerating the development of women-led MSMEs. Bank Indonesia supports these efforts through three strategic measures. First, strengthening institutional capacity, business capabilities, and access to financing through brand development, business formalisation and consolidation, halal certification facilitation, as well as business training and mentoring. Second, facilitating digital payment systems to improve the convenience, efficiency, and security of transactions while supporting business expansion. Third, expanding market access through promotional activities and business partnerships at the regional, national, and international levels, including through ISEF 2026. “Investing in women delivers broad economic benefits, as the income they earn also supports family welfare, children's education, and healthcare," Aida remarked.
“Empowered women can not only improve their own and their families' well-being, but also make a meaningful contribution to the progress of the nation," stated Arifah Fauzi. She emphasised that equal opportunities are essential to supporting women's empowerment, unlocking their potential, and strengthening their economic independence. Collaboration among stakeholders is key to opening up broader business opportunities and enabling women to become more productive, innovative, and competitive.
Women's empowerment is increasingly strategic given their significant role in the national economy and the growing competitiveness of Indonesia's halal industry in global markets. The halal industry contributes 27% of Indonesia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), equivalent to approximately IDR4,900 trillion (BPJPH, 2026). Halal product exports reached USD35.7 billion in the first half of 2026 (Ministry of Trade, 2026). As of July 2026, a total of 14.06 million products had been halal-certified (BPJPH). Meanwhile, according to data from the Ministry of MSMEs, MSMEs contribute 60.51% to GDP and account for 96.9% of national employment. Women represent approximately 37 million, or 64.5%, of Indonesia's MSME entrepreneurs (BPS, 2024). This substantial potential creates opportunities for women to scale up their businesses, expand market reach, and strengthen their role in the halal value chain, while contributing to inclusive and sustainable national economic growth.
The conference continued with a panel discussion featuring Rima Dwi Permatasari, Head of the Sharia Ecosystem Solutions Group at PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (Persero) Tbk; Pandu Rosadi, President Director of PT Miranda Moda; and Radityo Triatmojo, Director of Public Policy at Shopee Indonesia. The discussion highlighted three key enablers for women-led MSMEs to scale up: strengthening local brands to enter global markets, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and digital commerce to boost productivity and expand market reach, and improving access to financing. Strengthening these three areas is expected to help women entrepreneurs develop higher value-added products, broaden business networks, and contribute more significantly to household economic well-being and the national halal industry.
Bank Indonesia, together with relevant stakeholders, continues to promote more integrated and sustainable women's empowerment. Strengthening business capabilities, innovation, financing, and collaboration is expected to enable women to create business opportunities, connect business networks, and drive the development of the halal value chain ecosystem. Supporting Indonesian women to innovate, grow their businesses, and expand market access will help improve family welfare while contributing to the national economy.
ISEF 2026 takes place on 14–18 October 2026 at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC), Jakarta, featuring a range of activities to broaden public knowledge and business opportunities. Through these activities, the public can explore the potential of the Islamic economy and finance, including the role of women in developing productive businesses.
Jakarta, 17 October 2026
Communication Department
Ramdan Denny Prakoso
Executive Director
