Under the program, PNM provides financing to three Baduy women, Saenah, Juni and Sarti, who live in Lebak 2, deep within the Baduy settlement. Their homes can only be reached by walking along forest trails, reflecting the significant geographic challenges that have long limited access to formal financial services.

The journey to their homes represents more than overcoming physical distance. It reflects PNM’s broader commitment to ensuring that geography does not prevent women entrepreneurs in remote areas from accessing opportunities to strengthen their livelihoods.

Saenah, for example, trades agricultural produce while also weaving koja bags and traditional Baduy fabrics. She used her first PNM Mekaar financing of Rp 4 million to purchase agricultural products during the harvest season.

Meanwhile, Juni received Rp 6 million to support her small shop and agricultural produce trading business, while Sarti received Rp 4 million to maintain working capital for her produce trading activities.

Previously unfamiliar with formal financial services, the three women learned about PNM Mekaar through people close to them, including relatives who had already become customers and experienced the program’s benefits.

When they needed additional capital, particularly during the harvest season, the program’s relatively simple and straightforward application process encouraged them to take their first financing.

For Saenah, the impact of the financing is tangible. The additional capital enables her to purchase goods for her business, acquire fabrics and keep her working capital circulating.

“With Mekaar, thankfully, I can buy the things I need. I have bought fabric, and I also have capital for my business,” Saenah said.

The experience of these three women in the Baduy community illustrates PNM’s efforts to fulfill its role in Indonesia’s frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged areas, known as the 3T regions.

For PNM, reaching these communities is not simply about expanding service points. It means going directly to people who need access, even when reaching them requires additional time and effort.

Across regions facing similar geographic challenges, PNM operates hundreds of service units to reach customers in areas where formal financial services remain difficult to access.

PNM president director Kindaris said the company’s success should not be measured solely by the amount of financing it distributes.

“Every underprivileged woman in Indonesia deserves access to financing and empowerment, regardless of where she lives. That is what PNM continues to strive for, bringing hope to communities, including those in the most difficult-to-reach areas,” Kindaris said.

The first three financing disbursements in the outer Baduy area therefore represent more than financial distribution. They reflect PNM’s commitment to women who want to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

“No area is too far for PNM to provide financing and empowerment as long as there are women who want their businesses to grow,” Kindaris concluded.

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