Empowering PT SMI: Advancing Gender Equality Through Inclusive Workplace Training

PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero) - PT SMI is the Special Mission Vehicle (SMV) under the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia (MoF) which is engaged in development financing and is a Non-Bank Financial Institution, strengthened its corporate culture and workforce capacity by hosting a two-day Gender Awareness and Respectful Workplace Training in June 2025. The workshop, held in Bandung and facilitated by Indonesian gender expert, international ESG expert and Impact Investment Exchange (IIX), was supported under the EU-funded Support for Infrastructure Investments in Indonesia (S4I) programme, implemented by KfW Development Bank.

This initiative responds directly to PT SMI’s commitment to the Government of Indonesia’s Gender Mainstreaming Policy (as embedded in the RPJPN 2025–2045) and the company’s Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) framework. By equipping PT SMI’s employees, HR teams, and management with practical tools and knowledge, the training aims to create a workplace culture that prioritises diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI)—core values that not only drive employee well-being but also strengthen PT SMI’s role as a catalyst for sustainable, inclusive growth.

The sessions introduced global benchmarks and principles, including the Orange Bond Principles for inclusive finance, ILO Convention 190, IFC Performance Standards, the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), and EU policies on diversity and board representation. Participants explored how these frameworks can enhance PT SMI’s internal governance while boosting its appeal to international investors by elevating its ESG profile.

Key components of the training included interactive workshops and simulations addressing workplace discrimination, harassment prevention, and inclusive communication, case studies illustrating gender-responsive project planning and investment practices and action planning for implementing GESI-aligned strategies across PT SMI’s divisions, supported by the internal GESI Taskforce.

Through engaging activities, group discussions, and international case studies, PT SMI staff gained a deeper understanding of how gender equality links directly to performance, talent retention, and access to global financing opportunities. Participants also examined how gender-smart policies can amplify PT SMI’s contribution to the SDG Indonesia One platform, positioning the organisation as a leader among development finance institutions.

The training marks a key step in PT SMI’s broader ESG capacity-building efforts under the S4I programme. By embracing gender equality as a driver of resilience, innovation, and competitiveness, PT SMI is solidifying its reputation as a forward-looking institution—one that invests not only in infrastructure, but also in its people.

The views expressed in these note are those of PT SMI and the S4I Implementation Consultant and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union. The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained in this publication.