ABOUT US
Your Partner for Financial Growth
Microfinance Innovation Center for Resources and Alternatives (MICRA) is a foundation focused on the development of the microfinance sector in Indonesia. MICRA was founded by Mercy Corps, an international NGO, in 2006 to institutionalize its joint “Commercial Linkages Pilot Project” with IFC PENSA (World Bank), as well as its long history of support to MFIs throughout Indonesia.
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MISSION
Our mission is to build the institutional strength and capacity of the Indonesian microfinance sector. We work to provide a comprehensive range of high quality, best-practice solutions, underpinned by digital technology to support all industry stakeholders in a sustainable and demand-driven manner.
VISION
Our goal is to facilitate financially-inclusive and empowered communities that are capable of becoming financially resilient and stable in their everyday life. This vision led us to targeting our operations across three key focus areas:
FINANCIAL PORTAL
DIGITAL
EDUCATION
SUSTAINABLE
LIVELIHOODS
JOURNEY
2011-2012
Appointed by Mercy Corps to conduct Market Research for Financial Needs to Build Earthquake Resistant Houses in Padang and Padang Pariaman, Training of Trainers (ToT) Financial Literacy to Homeowners after Earthquake, and Disaster Preparedness Training for MFIs in Disaster Area (West Sumatera, DI Yogyakarta, Central Java, and DKI Jakarta)
2006
Founded by Mercy Corps, an international NGO to institutionalize its joint “Commercial Linkages Pilot Project” with IFC PENSA to support MFIs throughout Indonesia.
2009
Became an East Asian regional partner for The Microfinance Information Exchange Market (MIX Market).
2008
Started developing a scheme for Training of Trainers which is about financial analysis and adopting a modified CGAP module.
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Also initiated Poverty Action Center (PAC) program that builds MFI outreach to the poor and focuses on identifying, promoting and linking pro-poor MFIs to possible financial resources.
2010
Performed technical assistance, ratings, and research for the World Vision Indonesia program.
2013
Funded by Ford Foundation on AGRICULTURE FINANCE Innovation Fund For Eastern Indonesia project to support innovation in the agriculture sector through collaborating with financial institutions, organisations, corporations, and small-scale agriculture value chains.
2015
Chosen by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Asia-Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (APRACA) as the official consultant to assist the implementation of Rural Financial Services in Developing Countries program (RuFBeP) throughout Indonesia.
2017
Appointed by Tilburg University, World Bank, and J-PAL SEA to conduct a research study and training with topic “Business Practices of Small Retailers in Jakarta: Characterization, Adoption, and Their Impact on Business Growth”
2018
Appointed by Moris Rasik Foundation to conduct training with the topic banking risk management
Officially becoming Asian Affinity Holding Limited local partner in Indonesia.
2019
Appointed as a GIZ local partner to disseminate “Training of Trainers (ToT) on Financial Literacy of Microinsurance” for 4 trainings in Indonesia, that held in Jakarta, Bandung, Denpasar, and Maumere.
2020
Appointed by GIZ ISED and Great Giant Pineapple (GGP) to conduct “Training of Trainers (ToT) for Sustainable Business Plasma Farmers” that held in Lampung. Also appointed by Es Krim SERU, Unilever to conduct “Training of Capability Improvement for Juragan Es Krim SERU” that held virtually.
MICRA's foundation is built around the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our holistic approach to community development embodies the SDGs to deliver solutions that drive impact through financial resilience, poverty alleviation, climate adaptation, risk reduction, and inclusive education.
DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
M. ALFI SYAHRIN
Executive Director
Executive Director's New Year's Greetings
Praise and gratitude we pray to God who has given blessing and mercy for our healthy until 2023. After going through the pandemic, I am convinced that MICRA's struggle will continue and expand for help the Indonesian people in 2023! One year full of challenges we have faced, but this spirit will never run out to carry out MICRA's vision and mission. I am convinced that all team has worked hard to help the community, especially Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), to gain financial knowledge, develop digital technology, and be protected from natural disasters.
Despite the ups and downs, in 2022, we prove that the HERFinance program has succeeded in training more than 20,000 workers from 18 factories across Java Island. Also, We have successfully started the journey of the Economic Resilience Program in West Sumatra, and we will continue it throughout Indonesia.
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This success cannot be separated from the all MICRA team that carries out MICRA programs, and I know there are many challenges and difficulties that we faced especially for the Economic Resilience program. I am sure that what we have started in West Sumatra will be develop as MICRA's services in providing sustainable disaster mitigation and empowering financial knowledge to the Indonesian people. Also, MICRA partners who have supported our programs and realized our vision and mission.
I'm optimistic about what's to come in 2023 and I look forward to seeing a lot of developments from MICRA's programs. Also, I really hope that the trust of MICRA partners who have supported MICRA so far will be maintained and will continue. In 2023, we are optimistic to expand our reach to MFI who need assistance in empowerment, protection and technology. I strongly believe that with the number of Indonesian MFIs that reaching more than 129,000, there is great potential for growth in Indonesia's microfinance sector.
I wish you all the best in 2023, may you all achieve your biggest goals! As executive director of MICRA, may the long-awaited success be achieved this year, and we all get benefit together. I will continue to support, help and counting on you, because together we can make it all happen!
IMPACT
PARTNERS & CLIENTS
