Empowerment Through Resilience: One Woman’s Journey Supporting Five Families
Kabarnusantaraku.com – Indonesia has witnessed a significant shift in household dynamics, with statistics revealing that over 16 percent of families now rely primarily on women as their main financial providers. This demographic reality underscores the urgent need for inclusive financial access to support these dedicated mothers and wives. Among them stands Utari, a 58-year-old resident of Panjang Jiwo in Surabaya, whose story exemplifies resilience amid adversity.
A Turning Point During Crisis
Utari’s path was not smooth. In 2019, two major challenges converged: her husband suffered a severe accident that left him unable to work, and simultaneously, the Covid-19 pandemic swept across the nation. Facing financial pressure with limited options, she turned to her only skill—sewing—to sustain her family.
“I was confused about where to borrow money. Then I heard about PNM Mekaar. A neighbor suggested, ‘Try going to Mekaar.’ At that time, I even asked myself, what is Mekaar?”
Her journey began with a modest Rp 2 million loan from PNM Mekaar in 2019. She allocated Rp 1 million to purchase a secondhand sewing machine, while the remainder covered raw materials. Today, her souvenir bag enterprise receives orders from multiple regions, and she has successfully educated both of her children through university.
Growing Beyond Personal Success
Seven years after receiving her initial loan, Utari’s debt has expanded to Rp 8 million—a testament to her business growth. More importantly, she has created employment opportunities for four local seamstresses, bringing five families together in collaborative production.
This collective effort demonstrates how empowering one woman can stimulate broader economic activity within a community. Kindaris, the Chief Executive Officer of PNM, personally observed Utari’s transformation from a struggling housewife to an independent entrepreneur. He emphasized that this represents the true essence of PNM’s empowerment mission.
“Growth is not merely about numbers, but about more low-income women having the opportunity to rise, work hard, and improve their families’ lives. Utari is living proof that properly given capital doesn’t just change one person’s life, but opens doors for those around them.”
Program Impact and Future Vision
Utari’s experience reflects the broader achievements of the PNM Mekaar program, which by 2026 has served over 23 million customers across 36 provinces. Notably, 74 percent of participants report increased income, while 90 percent feel greater financial independence since joining.
For Utari, PNM Mekaar has been more than a lending institution—it has been a partner in empowerment, offering marketing training, product development support, and digital literacy education.
“Don’t stop striving and praying, and manage your finances well.”
Her simple yet powerful message comes from a woman who once stood at her lowest point but proved that courage to begin—no matter how small—is the first step toward meaningful change.
