Jakarta - Anindya Novyan Bakrie, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), emphasized the crucial role of women in reinforcing national economic resilience.

Anindya, popularly known as “Anin,” made the remarks after attending the 4th National Working Meeting (Rakernas) of the Indonesian Women Entrepreneurs Association (IWAPI) 2025, which coincided with IWAPI’s 50th anniversary celebration at the Shangri-La Hotel in Central Jakarta on Wednesday (22/10/2025).

Anin expressed his appreciation for IWAPI’s contributions over five decades in fostering the emergence of new entrepreneurs across various sectors. According to him, women’s economic empowerment not only drives economic growth but also serves as a fundamental pillar of national economic resilience.

“I see women’s economic empowerment as a critical and inseparable part of both economic resilience and growth. It is here that many new entrepreneurs are nurtured,” Anin said.

He added that Kadin’s strength as a national business platform is inseparable from IWAPI’s contributions.

“Without IWAPI, Kadin would not be as strong as it is today,” he noted.

Anin further highlighted IWAPI’s uniqueness in focusing not only on business activities but also on shaping national character.

“What makes IWAPI remarkable is that its members are not just entrepreneurs, but also nation-builders. As mothers, they instill values of family and religion, which become the moral foundation for developing resilient entrepreneurs in the future,” Anin stressed.

Meanwhile, IWAPI Chairperson Nita Yudi noted that over 60 percent of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia are managed by women. This statistic underscores the strategic role of women in the national economy.

“The MSME sector contributes more than 60 percent of Indonesia’s GDP and absorbs 97 percent of the country’s workforce,” Nita Yudi said.

She explained that women act as the main drivers of grassroots economic activity, serving not only as the backbone of family finances but also as a key pillar in national economic development.

“Through IWAPI, we aim to ensure that women entrepreneurs receive greater support, training, and networking opportunities,” she concluded.

The event was also attended by Kadin Indonesia’s Deputy Chairman for Law, Human Rights, and Facilities/Infrastructure, M. Azis Syamsuddin.