IWAPI Ende urges women entrepreneurs to rebuild after Flores earthquake

Ende — The Indonesian Women Entrepreneurs Association (IWAPI) in Ende urged women-led businesses to recover and continue developing after the Flores earthquake at a leadership inauguration on Monday, 12 October 2026.

Selfi Indradewa made the appeal after being inaugurated as chair of IWAPI Ende at Hotel Syfa Ende, according to Ekorantt. The earthquake struck Flores in mid-August 2026 and affected communities and businesses across the region.

Indradewa said IWAPI should support women entrepreneurs beyond ceremonial activities by providing a forum to share experience, build networks and improve business capacity. She also called for practical solutions to problems faced by businesses affected by the disaster.

IWAPI Ende has brought together 20 women entrepreneurs working in sectors including ikat weaving, culinary businesses and fashion, Ekorantt reported. Indradewa said the association would seek stronger access to capital and promote digitalisation and marketing skills for micro, small and medium enterprises.

Why it matters to readers

The recovery appeal links post-earthquake economic activity with women-owned businesses in Ende, a key urban centre in Flores. RRI reported that the 12 October ceremony also formally installed IWAPI branches in Sikka and Nagekeo, while the organisation said the branches should help members build networks, access support and contribute to economic recovery.

RRI reported that IWAPI NTT expected the newly installed branches to map members’ needs, assist communities affected by the disaster and work with local governments. The report said the organisation’s priorities included strengthening entrepreneurs’ skills, expanding access to finance and partnerships, and widening business networks.

The earthquake context was also documented by Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), which reported that the Flores earthquake occurred on 15 August 2026 and affected several areas including Ende.

Sources

• Ekorantt — regional news organisation
• RRI — public radio news organisation
• flores.tribunnews.com
• ntt.viva.co.id