Eramet, a global French mining and metallurgy group, together with Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa (YCAB) officially launched the LAKSMI (Micro Social Capacity Action Steps for Inclusion) program. The initiative is part of Eramet’s global Women for Future program, which was successfully implemented across various countries where Eramet operates to support women’s economic empowerment.
In Indonesia, the project focuses on strengthening the capacity of women entrepreneurs, particularly in Jakarta and Ternate, in collaboration with YCAB — a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering youth and women through education, economic support, and digital inclusion programs.
The official launch of the program took place at the SMESCO Building in Jakarta, and was attended by Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Maman Abdurrahhman, Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi, Governor of North Maluku Sherly Tjoanda Laos, CEO of Eramet Indonesia Jérôme Baudelet, and Secretary General of YCAB (Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa) Foundation, Adelle Odelia Tanuri.
According to the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as of May 2025, Indonesia recorded 57 million MSMEs, including Ultra Micro (UMi) enterprises. Of this number, 64.5% — which corresponds to approximately 37 million businesses — are managed by women. Despite their majority participation, women ultra-micro entrepreneurs continue to face structural challenges, particularly in accessing capital, business mentoring, and leveraging digital technology. Currently, only around 12% of MSMEs have fully utilized digital technology.
With a high number of women entrepreneurs in Indonesia, Jérôme expressed hope that this collaboration through the LAKSMI program can help tackle the various challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, while strengthening their capacity and empowerment across the country.
In its initial phase, the LAKSMI program will provide online financial literacy and digital marketing training to 600 women micro-entrepreneurs in Jakarta and Ternate in the next two years. Upon completion, 75 selected participants will each receive a grant of USD 500 (equivalent to approximately IDR 8 million) to support the sustainable growth of their businesses. Selection will be based on several indicators, including knowledge improvement, active participation, digital skills, and demonstrated commitment to business development.
Adelle Odelia Tanuri, Secretary General of YCAB Foundation, welcomed the collaboration with Eramet through the LAKSMI program, which she said aligns closely with YCAB Foundation’s mission to strengthen women’s role in the economy. “We believe that economic empowerment for women is not just a matter of income, it’s about sustainable legacy. Empowered women invest in their children, strengthen families, and build more resilient communities. That’s where the change begins to break the cycle of poverty,” Adelle stated.
In his remarks, Minister of MSMEs Maman Abdurrahman expressed his appreciation for YCAB’s collaboration. He stated that the government is currently strongly committed to prioritizing MSMEs, including those led by women’s groups, as part of its efforts to contribute to national development.
The program is designed to provide ongoing support through capacity building, increased access to financing, market opportunity development, and the expansion of business networks.
“I hope this program not only strengthens the local economy, but also opens up more job opportunities by upholding the principles of gender equality,” said the Minister of MSMEs.
