Indonesia expands self-employment opportunities programme

The Indonesian government has expanded access to its Self-employed Workers (TKM) programme for individuals seeking assistance in running their businesses. Ida Fauziyah, Minister of Manpower of Indonesia, invited aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of the programme through the ministry’s Bizhub system, emphasising inclusivity and accessibility.

Fauziyah highlighted the ministry’s commitment to expanding job opportunities and supporting individuals in becoming independent business players. “Through the TKM programme, we are assisting people to become entrepreneurs. We are also providing capital assistance once they gather in a group. Hopefully, they will be able to emerge as self-reliant entrepreneurs,” she said.

The programme aims to empower self-employed and informal employees across the country, recognising that their numbers surpass those of formal employees in Indonesia. Fauziyah encouraged informal employees from all regions, from Sabang to Merauke, to apply for assistance under the TKM programme.

She added, “We are utilising the TKM programme to facilitate those keen to succeed in becoming informal or self-employed employees.”

READ MORE: Indonesia boosts its workforce through vocational training revival

She also highlighted the success of the TKM programme in helping individuals develop their businesses and empower others. The Ministry of Manpower envisions continued support for self-employed employees, even after their businesses flourish. The programme facilitates connections with buyers, investors, and banks, aiming to encourage further self-reliance and empowerment within the entrepreneurial community.

“We are facilitating them (self-employed employees) to meet with buyers, investors, and banks, with the objective of encouraging them to further enhance their self-reliance. By doing so, we aim to enable them to empower other people,” she said, reported Antara.