The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) appreciates the Indonesian Businesswomen's Association (IWAPI), which marks its 49th anniversary, is consistent in empowering women, encouraging entrepreneurial spirit and accelerating the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

This was conveyed by Acting. Chairman of Kadin Indonesia, Yukki N. Hanafi in the Workshop on Job Creation Law and 49th IWAPI Anniversary Thanksgiving in Jakarta, 8 March 2024.

Data from BPS shows that in 2023, Indonesia's female population will reach 137.9 million people and a total of 278 million people. The data also shows that more than 60% of MSMEs in Indonesia are run by women or around 37 million women.

The IWAPI organisation, said Yukki, as a forum for Indonesian women entrepreneurs should be an example in its efforts to empower women in the MSME sector.

"IWAPI's efforts should continue to be increased along with the increase in the number of MSMEs in the country which is almost close to 60 million units," Yukki said.

According to him, another challenge related to the development of MSMEs is to encourage the growth of MSME investment, this is because 97% of Indonesia's population is employed by MSMEs.

"Empowering MSMEs as the foundation of the economy in the country will have an impact in driving nearly 99% of the national economy and accommodate around 97% of the total employment needs. By addressing each of these aspects strategically, another role that IWAPI can play is how to encourage MSMEs to develop better by maximising the role and function of Women Entrepreneurs and an Inclusive and Equitable Workforce," Yukki said.

Kadin, he continued, welcomed the implementation of the workshop on the socialisation of the Copyright Law, as it is known that the Job Creation Law not only increases the flow of investment into Indonesia, but also improves the effectiveness of investment which is more focused on productive sectors to encourage economic growth including empowering MSMEs.

He said Kadin had drawn up a roadmap for a golden Indonesia 2045, which included how to realise the development of regional MSMEs.

"We invite IWAPI to continue to be a locomotive in developing MSMEs in the country. Another opportunity that can be utilised by women entrepreneurs to accelerate the growth and development of MSMEs is how to help these business units, especially women MSMEs, to overcome a number of problems including access to capital through banks, human resources and also technology related to e-commerce. Currently, only around 20 per cent of all MSMEs access capital through banks," she explained.