Jakarta – Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia) Anindya Novyan Bakrie emphasized the important role of women in strengthening the national economy. Women are considered to make significant contributions to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), employment, and Indonesia’s economic growth.

Anindya, commonly known as Anin, made the remarks at The 4th Asian Women Entrepreneurs Conference & International Women in Business and Investment Summit, organized by the Indonesian Women Entrepreneurs Association (IWAPI) in collaboration with the Asian Women Entrepreneurs Congress at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, Central Jakarta, on Friday (October 16, 2026).

Anin said MSMEs are one of the backbones of Indonesia’s economy, with women playing a significant role in the sector. He noted that approximately 67% of MSME entrepreneurs in Indonesia are women.

“97% of Indonesia’s economy comes from Small and Medium Enterprises, or MSMEs. Of that 97%, according to our data, 67% are women,” Anin said.

According to Anin, women’s contributions are also reflected in their access to bank financing. He noted that women have demonstrated a strong track record of loan repayments, making them an attractive borrower segment for banks.

Anin added that women’s significant role in the economy must be accompanied by efforts to expand business opportunities, improve competitiveness, and strengthen access to international markets.

To achieve this, Anin highlighted three key priorities: connect, collaborate, and co-create. These principles serve as a foundation for building stronger networks, expanding collaboration, and creating new opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

In terms of connectivity, Anin noted that Indonesia holds a strategic position through its membership in ASEAN and BRICS, as well as its partnerships with various countries. This position should be leveraged to navigate geopolitical challenges and climate change, both of which affect economic resilience.

“We face the challenge of navigating geopolitics and climate change to ensure that our economy remains resilient,” Anin said.

On collaboration, Kadin continues to promote economic diplomacy through various international forums, including ASEAN, APEC, BRICS, and the G20. According to Anin, cooperation among business communities and developing countries needs to be strengthened to create broader growth opportunities.

Anin noted that South-South Cooperation, or collaboration among developing countries, is becoming increasingly relevant as attention grows toward the economic potential of the Asia-Pacific and African regions.

“Why shouldn’t growing economies engage with one another, particularly developing economies, rather than having cooperation directed solely by developed countries?” Anin said.

To help women entrepreneurs access global markets, Kadin also offers the Kadin Export Academy. The program aims to strengthen business capabilities in export development, including for products widely produced by MSMEs.

Anin noted that Indonesia’s exports are valued at approximately US$300 billion. Of this amount, around US$60 billion comes from major commodities such as palm oil, coal, and stainless steel. Other export products include textiles, garments, furniture, and electronics, which also offer opportunities for MSMEs.

According to Anin, strengthening export capabilities is essential to helping women entrepreneurs improve their competitiveness and expand their market reach, both domestically and internationally.

Anin stressed that efforts to strengthen connectivity and collaboration must be followed by the creation of new opportunities through the principle of co-creation. This approach would enable women entrepreneurs across the region to enhance their competitiveness and take their businesses to the next level.

“One area that needs further development is how we can improve the competitiveness of women across our region and help them move up to the next level, because women are the hope we all share. This does not mean men are incapable, but women account for 67% of the economy, making them the majority,” Anin explained.

Meanwhile, IWAPI Chairwoman and Coordinating Deputy Chairwoman for Social Affairs at Kadin Indonesia Nita Yudi said the forum provided an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Indonesian women entrepreneurs and their counterparts from several countries, including China, Malaysia, and Russia.

According to Nita, this cooperation is expected to create investment opportunities in Indonesia while enhancing the capabilities and scale of women-led businesses. As a result, entrepreneurs can move beyond focusing solely on the domestic market and expand their business reach globally.

“Indonesia is a country rich in potential, so they can invest here and collaborate with us to strengthen our capabilities and grow our businesses, enabling us to move beyond the domestic market and expand into global markets,” Nita said.