U.S. Assists Indonesian Female Entrepreneurs

Scot Marciel
Sumber :
  • www.state.gov

VIVAnews - The U.S. Embassy Jakarta signed an agreement today with Indonesia’s oldest sharia bank, Bank Muamalat, to provide financing for women micro-entrepreneurs. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will guarantee $1.15 million in micro-loans to low-income Indonesian women to run their own businesses.

“With these funds, women will be able to start their own business, earn an income, provide for their family, and ultimately have the opportunity to live a better life,” said U.S. Ambassador Scot Marciel in a statement to VIVAnews.

Bank Muamalat uses Islamic guidelines for approving financing for applicants, who may be of any religious affiliation.  This agreement marks USAID’s first-ever finance guarantee program with a sharia financial institution worldwide.

The agreement signed during Ramadan, the Muslim Holy Month, highlights the U.S. Government’s engagement with the Muslim world, provides a precedent for future collaboration with sharia financial institutions, and supports women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.