The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) as the parent organisation of the business world as well as a government partner in economic development continues to show improved performance. This is shown through a number of contributions and achievements of Kadin Indonesia in the 2021-2026 management period. In addition, Kadin Indonesia also comes with initiatives that prioritise inclusive, collaborative and sustainable economic development.

Chairman of Kadin Indonesia, Arsjad Rasjid, said that Kadin Indonesia is the only parent organisation of the industrial and business world and a strategic partner of the government whose formation is based on a law (UU), namely Law Number 1 of 1987 concerning Chambers of Commerce and Industry. This position is strengthened by Presidential Decree Number 18 of 2022 concerning Amendments to the Articles of Association and Bylaws (AD/ART) of Kadin Indonesia.

"This July, it is exactly three years since I received the mandate as Chairman for the management of Kadin Indonesia for the 2021-2026 period. Alhamdulillah, we have together stepped forward with various proud achievements. As a benchmark, more than 70% of the main work programmes formulated at the 8th National Conference in 2021 have been completed,’ said Arsjad (21/7/2024).

Arsjad added that the level of implementation of the results of the National Leadership Meeting (Rapimnas) also continues to increase every year. "The first year evaluation results show that the programme designed at the 2021 Rapimnas was fulfilled by more than 50%. At the 2022 Rapimnas, the figure increased to more than 65%, and up to half a year of the 2023 Rapimnas, the implementation has reached more than 70%,’ said Arsjad.

On the occasion, Kadin Indonesia's Vice Chairman for Organisation, Law, and Communication, Yukki Nugrahawan Hanafi, also presented a flashback of Kadin Indonesia's journey from 2021 to July 2024, when the parent organisation introduced a new concept of an inclusive and collaborative Kadin.

"2021 was a challenging year for Indonesia due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For this reason, Kadin Indonesia carries the vision and mission of ‘Restoring Health, Reviving the Economy’ and supports economic strengthening through various initiatives. This includes assisting the implementation of the Gotong Royong Vaccine which has reached more than 4.2 million doses, and establishing the Oxygen House, the first semi-permanent health facility in Indonesia,’ said Yukki.

In the midst of limitations, Yukki added that Kadin Indonesia also continues to take part and become a driving force in various good policies at the national level. One of them, Kadin participated in the Glasgow Climate Change Summit at COP26 to encourage global climate policy.

Moving on to 2022, Kadin strengthened its internal organisation by improving its bylaws, which officially strengthened Kadin's position as the only business umbrella in Indonesia. The changes to the bylaws were endorsed by President Joko Widodo in the form of Presidential Decree 18/2022.

The strengthening of Kadin's organisation also brings a new spirit to continue contributing to national economic development. A number of concrete steps have been taken, including the MSME Upgrade Partnership Movement and the launch of Wiki Wirausaha to increase the number of entrepreneurs and MSME players. Through this programme, more than 600 MSMEs have received training to increase their capacity and more than 200 MSMEs have completed certified export training.

"2022 is also an important milestone for Kadin Indonesia in the international arena. First, Kadin Indonesia participated in the 2022 World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland and was involved in the B20 event, which succeeded in bringing 69 country delegations; and more than 3,000 business leaders,’ said Vice Chair for Maritime Affairs, Investment and Foreign Affairs of Kadin Indonesia, Shinta W. Kamdani.

Furthermore, in 2023, Kadin Indonesia launched the Indonesia Emas 2045 Roadmap book and handed it over directly to President Joko Widodo, at the National Capital of the Archipelago (IKN). This is a real commitment of Kadin Indonesia to continue to support the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045, which aspires to bring Indonesia into a developed and prosperous country.

Kadin Indonesia also continues to encourage the empowerment of MSMEs and the regional economy, including through the Kadin Impact Award, an appreciation event for innovative programmes of Regional Kadin that have a direct impact on the economy of the surrounding community. Meanwhile, Kadin's support for sustainable economy and net zero emission targets is realised by organising the International Sustainability Forum with the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment.

Entering 2024, Kadin Indonesia started by organising the ‘Presidential Candidate Dialogue with Kadin’ which was broadcast live on television. Through this event, presidential candidates can present their vision and mission in the economic sector that will be considered by the public in making their choices.

During the first six months of this year, Kadin Indonesia also carried out many advocacy initiatives to strengthen the foundation of the national economy, including an audience with the Minister of Trade regarding the planned import duty policy and handling of illegal imports, as well as meeting with the Governor of Bank Indonesia to discuss the weakening rupiah exchange rate.

In addition, Vice Chair of the Coordinator for Human Quality, Research and Technology, Carmelita Hartoto, said that Kadin is also preparing a whitepaper containing proposals and input from businesses, investors and academics in relation to strategic issues that pose challenges to the Indonesian economy. Kadin hopes that this whitepaper can strengthen the development programme and the upcoming government 2024-2029.

"Going forward, Kadin Indonesia will continue to strengthen its position as an inclusive and collaborative business organisation. We also invite all stakeholders to continue to work together and synergise in the spirit of gotong royong and togetherness to achieve the vision of a resilient, prosperous, inclusive and sustainable Golden Indonesia 2045,’ said Carmelita.