Jakarta, August 12th, 2020 – Today, the Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Bintang Puspayoga, officiates the launch of the Sispreneur Incubation Class,aimed for women entrepreneurs in micro-businesses. The collaboration program between the Ministry of PPPA and PT. XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata) is determined to facilitate female micro-entrepreneurs by the end of 2020 with digital technology.
In this Sispreneur program in collaboration with the Ministry of PPPA, we aim to assist 200 female micro-entrepreneurs. In this case, the Ministry of PPPA has received support from several non-governmental organizations engaged in women empowerment, namely, the Association of Women Small Business Assistants (ASPPUK), Kapal Perempuan, and the Foundation for Empowerment of Women Heads of Families (PEKKA).
“Microbusiness is a type of business that survived and saved our economy during the monetary
crisis in 1997-1998, so I believe that MSMEs in Indonesia have the potential to return in helping
to save and take part in the economic recovery due to the current pandemic, by utilizing access
to technology, go-online, and become the motor of new economic growth. Through technology
adaptation and the use of e-commerce, women who drive micro-entrepreneurs have the potential to dominate the market and continue to increase their economic contribution to the
nation. Through this opportunity, I need to remind you that digital literacy is a must”, states Minister Bintang at the Webinar on Strategies and Opportunities for Women in Go-Digital Micro Businesses as well as the Launching of the Sispreneur Incubation Class.
Minister Bintang also states that not only in terms of population, women in the economic sector have important roles and large potential that is continues to vastly increase. For example, 99.99 percent of existing businesses in Indonesia are within the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise categories (UMKM) (Kemenkop and UKM, 2017-2018). In addition, more than 50 percent of micro and small enterprises are owned by women, based on a survey from the World Bank (2016).
“Participants who are selected to take part in this program will receive free guidance, concept-wise as well as practical knowledge, to develop business independently and accordingly. In addition, they will also have the opportunity to expand the product marketing network, as well as expand market reach or coverage and improve the quality of their products in order for it to possible to sell better, both across provinces and abroad. In this era, opportunities are still wide open,” added Minister Bintang.
President Director & CEO of XL Axiata, Dian Siswarini, who also accompanied Minister Bintang at the virtual launch, said that through the program, female micro-entrepreneurs will receive guidance to develop small businesses by utilizing digital technology.
"Women and MSMEs are the most affected, both economically and socially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, this incubation program is highly relevant for us to hold at this time so that it can help both sides at once, situations as where women are the main money makers in their family, the MSMEs they manage to support these families' economy and drive the economy surrounding them as well," said Dian Siswarini.
Dian added to her statement that digital technology offers an opportunity for anyone to be able to maximize their potential. For female micro-entrepreneurs, digital technology will allow them to penetrate a wider market, which is almost impossible to reach if they are not currently online. Digital technology will also make it easier for them to promote products/services more massively through collaboration with e-commerce/marketplace platform providers.
These incubation classes are held online, in accordance to mandatory health protocols. Three basic points are taught during class. Initially, product ready, which helps in building the mindset of a woman entrepreneur (womenpreneur) regarding real business development, both in terms of financial management, to product selection. Second, market-ready, which is a class that covers education for women micro-entrepreneurs to ensure the quality of their products is in accordance with the target market and existing standards in the market. Third, digital and marketplace ready, teaching women micro-entrepreneurs how to effectively use promotional channels in order to sell more, such as social media platforms, as well as being supported by Bukalapak as a marketplace committed to supporting the continuity of the country's MSME business, participants will be guided in selling through the marketplace. Also, products of women micro-entrepreneurs who have participated in the Sispreneur program will be promoted and receive the benefits of the push promotion feature.
The participants are based in 4 (four) provinces throughout Indonesia; West Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Bali, and West Nusa Tenggara. So far, they are still micro-business merchants who have yet to be connected online. Their products varies from culinary treats to handcrafts. Furthermore, participants will also get an XL Biz starter pack/sim card for free, along with the benefits of a 5 GB Data Package, Unlimited Calls & SMS to fellow XL users, 30 minutes + 30 SMS to other operators, Unlimited WA, Line, free access to Facebook & Instagram for 1 GB, and credit of 5,000 IDR.
First launched on April 23rd 2015, Sisternet currently has more than 26 thousand members. To continue to increase the value of benefits for Indonesian women, Sisternet collaborates with various communities and organizations focused on wellbeings and support towards women, as
well as with many social activists in various regions. In addition, Sisternet is also actively working with a number of government agencies, in addition to the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Areas, and Transmigration, and the Ministry of Health.