The BRI Research Institute is strengthening the capacity of Indonesian women and youth-owned MSMEs to further develop through the use of digitalization, mentoring, and cross-sector collaboration for economic inclusion and expanding sustainable market access.
BRI Research Institute Project Leader Nilam Nirmala said the effort was carried out through the Digitally Smart Women platform launched in collaboration with the British Embassy in Jakarta, through the Digital Access Programme (DAP).
"This platform is a learning management system (LMS) designed to encourage and expand digital inclusion for women and youth entrepreneurs across Indonesia," Nilam said in a statement in Jakarta on Saturday.
Nilam said the BRI Research Institute was greatly inspired by the resilience and creativity of women and youth entrepreneurs in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.
"Through digital tools, mentoring, and the launch of the Digitally Smart Women platform, we believe they now have a stronger foundation for growth and development," he said.
He hopes the spirit of collaboration across government, academia, the business world, and communities will maintain this momentum so that digital inclusion truly reaches those who need it most.
The Digital Corner Coordinator from Loyok Village, Lombok, Linsi, admitted that the program had changed her perspective on business.
Previously, Linsi relied more on traditional methods of selling, but through training and the introduction of digital tools, she learned how to properly record finances, accept non-cash payments, and even take her products to online sales.
"I've seen how this program has empowered so many other female MSME owners, giving them greater confidence to manage their businesses digitally," Linsi said.
According to him, the trust given to him as the Digital Corner Coordinator makes him more optimistic, because it opens up opportunities to expand the program's impact to other MSMEs in his region.
"I see this as more than just a role, but a responsibility to share knowledge and support more women and youth so that together we can grow stronger in this digital age," Linsi added.
British Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia Matthew Downing said the platform includes learning materials that have been piloted during the program, including digital financial recording, digital transactions, e-commerce onboarding, and mentorship development.
