Jakarta - The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia) held a joint meeting with the Central Executive Board (BPP) of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) at the Kadin Indonesia Tower, Jakarta, on Thursday (September 18, 2025).

Kadin Indonesia Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie emphasized that the meeting focused on the strategic role of the business community in driving national economic growth ranging from the importance of nurturing new entrepreneurs to seizing major opportunities in the agricultural sector.

“Of course, we hope to see increased labor absorption into industry. But that cannot happen without successful entrepreneurs and the creation of new businesspeople,” said Anindya, also known as Anin.

A key focus of the meeting was the importance of synergy with the government. While Anin acknowledged the value of foreign investment, he stressed that domestic investment must not be overlooked.

“We discussed how to strengthen our engagement with the government—not just relying on foreign direct investment, but also encouraging domestic investment. And we also received some great input during the discussion,” he added.

Policies for mid-sized businesses were also a major topic. According to Anin, while MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) have received incentives such as a 0.5% VAT, medium-sized enterprises now need targeted support to grow and move up the value chain.

This support includes improved access to credit, stronger partnerships, and sustainable business development.

Anin also pointed to agriculture as an emerging national priority. He urged a shift in perspective, saying agriculture should no longer be seen merely as a food supply sector.

“One of the most interesting developments under President Prabowo’s leadership is the concept of agriculture as an industry,” Anin explained.

He cited government programs such as Makan Bergizi Gratis (Free Nutritious Meals), Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (Red and White Village Cooperatives), and agricultural downstreaming as offering significant new opportunities. Job creation in this sector, he said, could have a substantial impact on the national economy.

“What we’ve typically seen in the [Free Meals] program as merely food provision could actually become a massive job creation engine,” said Anin.

Technology was also in the spotlight. Anin emphasized that Artificial Intelligence (AI) must be part of future business strategies.

“We must ensure that whatever we do incorporates technology. One thing is certain Kadin and HIPMI are united in supporting the government, and we aim to strengthen the domestic economy,” Anin concluded.

Meanwhile, HIPMI Chairman Akbar Himawan Buchari highlighted the importance of government regulations that support the business community.

“What’s most important is for the government to listen to what we’re experiencing on the ground—what we’ve studied and the solutions we’ve proposed, both for short-term and long-term implementation,” Akbar stated.

He also expressed hope that the aspirations voiced by the business community through Kadin and HIPMI would be received positively by the government.

“Our hope is that the ideas discussed here today can be accepted by the government—not just as feedback, but as concrete input from the business world—and most importantly, be implemented through regulations that support entrepreneurship and strengthen our national economy,” he concluded.

The meeting was attended by several senior Kadin Indonesia executives, including Erwin Aksa Coordinating Vice Chairman for Organization, Communication, and Regional Empowerment, Carmelita Hartoto, Coordinating Vice Chairwoman for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Bobby Gafur Umar Coordinating Vice Chairman for Investment, Downstreaming, Energy, and Environment, Shinta W. Kamdani Coordinating Vice Chairwoman for Human Development, Culture, and Sustainable Development, Bambang Soesatyo Coordinating Vice Chairman for Politics and Security, Bernardino M. Vega Vice Chairman for International Relations, Rifda Ammarina Vice Chairwoman for MSME Marketing, Promotion, Innovation, and Product Development, Saleh Husin Vice Chairman for Industry, Budiarto Linggowijono Vice Chairman for MICE, Teguh Anantawikrama Vice Chairman for MSME Technology Transformation and Digitalization.