Jakarta - The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia) has emphasized the importance of unity within the business community in the face of global economic uncertainty and domestic challenges.

This message was conveyed by Anindya Novyan Bakrie, Chairman of Kadin Indonesia, during a Gathering and Working Meeting of the Executive Board and Advisory Council held at Menara Kadin Indonesia, Jakarta, on Tuesday (September 16, 2025).

“This meeting is not only a moment to strengthen our relationships, but also serves as a means of consolidation. I believe there is so much Kadin can contribute to Indonesia, especially considering the current challenging conditions,” said Anindya, who is familiarly known as Anin.

During the event, Anin also addressed key social issues such as injustice, inequality, and social jealousy, which he described as challenges that cannot be overlooked.

Anin explained that although the economy is showing signs of recovery, Indonesia still needs breakthroughs to expand employment opportunities. On the other hand, ongoing global geopolitical uncertainty continues to exacerbate the fragility of the current situation.

“That’s why, since the beginning of this year, internal consolidation has been the top priority. If we are united internally, God willing, we can deliver greater value and contribution externally,” Anin stressed.

He added that the business sector plays a crucial role in driving the national economy.

“Mr. Arsjad [Chairman of Kadin Indonesia’s Advisory Council] always reminds us that of the entire GDP, the state budget (APBN) only accounts for 20%. The remaining 80% lies with Kadin – in the private sector, state-owned enterprises, MSMEs, and cooperatives,” said Anin.

Kadin, he continued, also holds regular monthly consolidation meetings with provincial Kadin chapters during the fourth week of each month, in addition to attending Provincial Conferences (Musprov) and Regional Leadership Meetings (Rapimprov).

According to Anin, these efforts are vital given the reduction in state budget transfers to the regions from IDR 1,000 trillion to IDR 700 trillion which could potentially widen fiscal disparities across regions.

“Therefore, we need breakthroughs that allow regional economies to continue growing without resorting to short-term thinking, like merely trying to boost GDP figures,” he said.

Anin also highlighted the importance of supporting major government programs, such as the IDR 250 trillion Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, the IDR 130 trillion People’s Business Credit for Housing (KUR Perumahan), and the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives initiative.

“These programs are built on good intentions, but their execution must be properly overseen. This is where Kadin, as part of ‘Indonesia Incorporated’, can play a significant role,” Anin stated.

On the topic of investment, Anin acknowledged a prevailing ‘wait and see’ attitude among business players. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism that the Danantara platform could help improve the investment climate by involving entrepreneurs, rather than sidelining them.

Regarding international trade, Anin noted that Kadin is actively working to open negotiation channels with the United States and Europe. However, he acknowledged that domestic competitiveness—such as electricity, water, and infrastructure availability remains a challenge.

“This is where we must ensure we not only open access but also improve these key areas,” Anin emphasized.

Echoing Anin’s sentiments, Arsjad Rasjid, Chairman of Kadin’s Advisory Council, underscored the importance of solidarity among entrepreneurs of all scales, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), in driving job creation.

“This is our declaration of solidarity from large corporations to MSMEs on how we can work together to provide real solutions,” said Arsjad.

“This is the moment for us to unite and collaborate to restore the economy,” he concluded.

Attendees of the event included Coordinating Vice Chair for Infrastructure and Regional Development Carmelita Hartoto, Coordinating Vice Chair for Food Mulyadi Jayabaya, Coordinating Vice Chair for Investment, Downstreaming, Energy, and Environment Bobby Gafur Umar, Vice Chair for Strategic Infrastructure and Rural Development & Transmigration Thomas Jusman, Vice Chair for Associations/Extraordinary Members Development Benny Soetrisno, Vice Chair for Agriculture Devi Erna Rachmawati, Vice Chair for Livestock Cecep Moch Wahyudin, Vice Chair for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Yugi Prayanto, Vice Chair for Migrant Worker Protection Nofel Saleh Hilabi, Vice Chair for Research and Technology Ilham Akbar Habibie, Vice Chair for MSME Marketing, Promotion, Innovation, and Product Development Rifda Ammarina, Vice Chair for Housing and Settlement Areas Dhony Rahajoe, Vice Chair for MSME Technological and Digital Transformation Teguh Anantawikrama, Vice Chair for Collaboration and Funding Potential Development Sharmila Yahya, Head of Kadin’s Sharia Economic Development Agency Titi Khoiriah.