Indonesia to strengthen inclusive entrepreneurship for vulnerable groups

BEKASI, West Java, Indonesia (ILO News) – The Ministry of Manpower, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), launched a comprehensive entrepreneurship capacity-building programme on 10 September 2025. The initiative aims to empower people with disabilities, the elderly, vulnerable women and at-risk youth. Held at the Ministry’s Job Market Opportunity Centre in Bekasi, the event gathered around 200 participants, including 30 individuals with disabilities, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive economic growth.

Importantly, this programme was initiated at the request of the Ministry of Manpower as part of its broader 2025 Entrepreneurship Service Programme. To ensure the integration of international best practices in enterprise development and inclusive finance, the Ministry sought for the ILO’s technical support in designing the training. This support is delivered through the ILO’s Promoting SME Enterprises through Improved Entrepreneurs’ Access to Financial Services (Promise II Impact) project, funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Social justice is only possible when disadvantaged groups are empowered, and an inclusive economy serves as the foundation for national progress. Everyone deserves equal opportunities to contribute and succeed.
Yassierli, Manpower Minister

Minister of Manpower Yassierli underscored the vital role of entrepreneurship in not only creating livelihoods but also in strengthening communities and advancing national development. “Social justice is only possible when disadvantaged groups are empowered, and an inclusive economy serves as the foundation for national progress. Everyone deserves equal opportunities to contribute and succeed,” he stated during his opening remarks.

“This initiative complements our broader efforts under the Promise II Impact project to create more inclusive financial ecosystems and strengthen MSMEs’ capacity across Indonesia. By supporting vulnerable groups to develop viable businesses, we help promote decent work, enterprise growth, and financial inclusion,” said Djauhari Sitorus, ILO’s Promise II Impact Project Manager.

The training provides participants with hands-on knowledge in business management, marketing, and financial literacy. Beyond the classroom, it offers continued mentorship, business matching opportunities, and support in accessing capital and markets, ensuring that participants can maintain and expand their ventures.

Siti Nuraeni, an elderly vegetable farmer, shared, “This training taught me how to grow my business, manage marketing, workload, and finances. It’s given me the confidence to move forward.” Similarly, Tati Sukanti, who runs a small boarding house, said, “This programme helps elderly workers stay productive and independent. I no longer rely on my children. I can manage my own business.”

For participants with disabilities, the training offered not just technical knowledge but also recognition. One entrepreneur who runs a flower bouquet business proudly shared that her products were purchased and appreciated by Minister Yassierli during the event, a symbolic gesture reinforcing that businesses led by people with disabilities can be competitive and valuable.