DENPASAR, OCTOBER 14, 2024. PT XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata), in collaboration with the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemen PPPA), launched the Sisternet program "She Inspire" at the Kerobokan Women’s Penitentiary in Bali. This program aims to help female inmates overcome social and economic challenges through skills empowerment, psychological support, and entrepreneurship mentoring. The initiative seeks to equip these women with new skills, enabling their successful reintegration into society and helping them #jadilebihbaik.
The launch ceremony was attended by Bintang Puspayoga, Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, alongside Dian Siswarini, President Director & CEO of PT XL Axiata Tbk. The event also marked the official introduction of the She Inspire program, specifically designed to support female inmates through basic business skills training and mentoring, which will continue until April 2025.
At the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between XL Axiata and Kemen PPPA, marking their joint commitment to empowering women through technology and training. The scope of the MoU includes providing entrepreneurship training, developing educational communication materials, and exchanging relevant information to support women’s empowerment. Additionally, the MoU encompasses supplementary programs agreed upon by both parties to support women in Indonesia, particularly those facing social and economic challenges.
The Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection stated, "According to data from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, as of 2023, there are 10,013 female inmates, representing around 4.8% of the total inmate population. Kemen PPPA has provided empowerment training to approximately 500 female inmates, particularly those nearing the end of their sentences, to help equip them with the skills they need to live independently and purposefully after their release."
The Minister also expressed her appreciation for the launch of the program, emphasizing that the collaboration with XL Axiata through the Sisternet initiative aligns with Kemen PPPA’s mission to empower women, particularly those in need of additional support to overcome their past and prepare for a more independent and productive future. She hopes this program will create new opportunities for female inmates to make positive contributions to society and their families.
Dian Siswarini, President Director & CEO of XL Axiata, highlighted that this partnership with Kemen PPPA reflects XL Axiata’s commitment to empowering women across various segments of Indonesian society, especially those with limited access to resources.
"We believe that women have an extraordinary potential to become agents of change within society. Through the Sisternet 'She Inspire' program, we aim to empower women in Kerobokan prison and other penitentiaries to build a better future equipped with strong skills and confidence," said Dian Siswarini.
She Inspire, as the core of the Sisternet program, serves as a comprehensive training platform offering participants opportunities to learn, grow, and develop essential skills for leading a more productive life. The program covers a variety of classes, including business skills, education, psychological counseling, and the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Through She Inspire, female inmates receive training in areas such as entrepreneurship, small business management, and psychological counseling. The program has already helped over 100 former inmates start independent businesses after their release. In addition to addressing economic aspects, She Inspire offers vital mental and emotional support to incarcerated women. This approach aims to strengthen their confidence and equip them to handle the challenges they may encounter after their release, particularly in overcoming the social stigma they often face.
The program will also be implemented in women’s penitentiaries in nine other cities across Indonesia, including Tangerang, Lampung, Makassar, Lombok, Bandung, Malang, Yogyakarta, Medan, and Padang. Given its extensive reach, the program is anticipated to create a substantial positive impact on women incarcerated in different regions of Indonesia. Each facility will offer training classes that include technical guidance, motivational sessions, and moral support to assist participants in overcoming emotional and psychological challenges. Through the She Inspire initiative, XL Axiata and Kemen PPPA aim to equip participants with skills that will not only improve their financial independence but also promote their personal and social growth.
Running until April 2025, the She Inspire program demonstrates XL Axiata's commitment to offering long-term, effective solutions to support women with limited access in Indonesia. XL Axiata will actively monitor the program's effectiveness through continuous evaluations and enhancements. This partnership is expected to enable more women to access quality training, helping them acquire new skills that align with the needs of the workforce and entrepreneurship.
This collaboration aligns with Kemen PPPA’s mission to enhance women’s economic status and empower them to confidently face social challenges. With adequate support, XL Axiata and Kemen PPPA believe that female inmates will be better prepared to make positive contributions to society after their time in correctional facilities. Through She Inspire, these women will have the opportunity to learn how to start their own businesses, expand their social networks with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs, and develop practical skills that facilitate independent living.
The program is expected not only to provide practical skills but also to build greater self-confidence among women, enabling them to become agents of change within their communities. With comprehensive and sustainable support, XL Axiata and Kemen PPPA hope to create a lasting positive impact on women throughout Indonesia.