Banda Aceh - The Aceh Provincial Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening synergy with women entrepreneurs as part of the region’s economic recovery and development strategy.

This commitment was conveyed during the 2025 Regional Working Meeting (Rakerda) of the Aceh Provincial Board of the Indonesian Women Entrepreneurs Association (IWAPI), held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

Carrying the theme “Empowered Women Entrepreneurs Rise for an Independent Aceh,” the forum served as a consolidation platform for IWAPI branches across Aceh and an opportunity to formulate strategies to strengthen women-led MSMEs, which have long played a vital role in the local economy.

During the forum, Ramli, Deputy Chair for Economic Affairs of Kadin Aceh, emphasized the pivotal role of women entrepreneurs in driving Aceh’s economic growth.

“IWAPI is a strategic partner. Amid global challenges and the digital era, capacity building, digital transformation, and network expansion for women entrepreneurs are essential. We need capable, bold, and well-connected women business leaders,” said Ramli.

Ramli further highlighted several challenges faced by women-led MSMEs, including limited access to financing, low digital literacy, and difficulties in entering export markets.

To address these issues, Kadin Aceh is committed to expanding training programs, certifications, and export facilitation as concrete forms of support for IWAPI’s MSME members.

“Congratulations on the successful organization of the 2025 IWAPI Rakerda. May it yield strategic recommendations and impactful programs. Kadin will always stand with visionary and driven women entrepreneurs,” Ramli added.

Meanwhile, IWAPI National Chairwoman Nita Yudi stated in her opening remarks that IWAPI has now reached 50 years of existence, with branches in 36 provinces and one international representative office in Malaysia, totaling over 40,000 members—most of whom are MSME players. Among its members are also founders of major enterprises such as PT Sari Ayu, PT Mustika Ratu, and PT Paragon (Wardah).

The 2025 IWAPI Rakerda is expected to become a launching point for strengthening the women’s business ecosystem in Aceh through more inclusive and sustainable cross-sector partnerships.

The event was attended by several key figures and stakeholders, including Kadin Aceh Executive Director Teuku Jailani Yacob, Acting Regional Secretary of Aceh Muhammad Nasir, Mayor of Banda Aceh Illiza Sa’aduddin Djamal, as well as representatives from Bank Indonesia’s Aceh office, the Directorate General of Taxes (DJP), Telkom, the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), various banking institutions, and 13 IWAPI regional branches from districts and cities across Aceh.