Jakarta – The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia) once again held the Kadin Indonesia Economic Diplomatic Breakfast under the theme “The Next Independence: Building Indonesia’s Economic Strength in a Changing World” to commemorate the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia at the Museum of the Formulation of the Proclamation Text in Central Jakarta on Friday (14/08/2026).

Chairman of Kadin Indonesia Anindya Novyan Bakrie said the choice of the Museum of the Formulation of the Proclamation Text as the venue was part of Kadin’s efforts to reflect on the meaning of independence while educating the public and diplomatic corps about the importance of strengthening Indonesia’s economic diplomacy.

“This time, we are holding the event during the month of the proclamation to honor a struggle that we, as Indonesians, deeply appreciate, as well as part of the series of events leading up to August 17,” said Anindya, popularly known as Anin.

According to Anin, economic diplomacy plays an important role in promoting trade, investment, and industrialization, which ultimately create jobs and improve public welfare.

“This is our way of paying tribute to the Red and White and our effort to strengthen economic diplomacy as effectively as possible,” Anin said.

Meanwhile, Kadin Indonesia Coordinating Vice Chairman for Foreign Affairs James T. Riady said that the meaning of independence for Indonesia today is no longer limited to the political independence achieved in 1945. According to him, every generation has a responsibility to give new meaning to independence.

“Independence is not merely a matter of words; it must become a reality. Every generation must continue to build and give meaning to that independence,” James said.

He noted that for the current generation, independence must be realized through stronger economic foundations, food and energy security, a strong human capital base, and technological capabilities.

Indonesia, he continued, must not merely become a consumer of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), but must also be capable of contributing to their development, including in upstream AI and robotics. In addition, Indonesia needs to build competitive industries, create productive employment opportunities, and strengthen institutions capable of giving people confidence in the future.

James emphasized that strengthening economic self-reliance does not mean Indonesia should isolate itself from the international community. On the contrary, Indonesia must be strong domestically while remaining open and confident in working with countries around the world.

“Quite the opposite. A confident Indonesia must be strong at home, open to the world, and confident enough to work with all parties,” James said.

James also underscored the important role of Kadin in strengthening collaboration between the government and the business community. The government can set the direction and formulate policies, but economic strength is ultimately built by businesspeople, workers, farmers, educators, innovators, and communities across the country.

“Indonesia will not be built by Jakarta alone. Indonesia must be built by all provinces, cities, regencies, and communities across the archipelago,” he said.

Ahead of the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, James called on all stakeholders to consider what kind of Indonesia they want to build over the next 20 to 30 years.

“The next stage of independence must empower every person to learn, work productively, build businesses, participate in technology, own a home, and live with dignity,” he said.

He added that 81 years ago, the Indonesian people made the decision to determine their own destiny. Today, it is the responsibility of the current generation to ensure that independence continues to have substance and strength.

“Strong at home, open to the world, and confident enough to work with all parties,” James concluded.

The event was attended by members of Kadin Indonesia’s leadership, including Coordinating Vice Chairman for Law, Human Rights, Facilities and Infrastructure M. Azis Syamsuddin; Coordinating Vice Chairman for Export Development Juan Permata Adoe; Vice Chairman for Organization Taufan Eko Nugroho Rotorasiko; Vice Chairman for Membership Widiyanto Saputro; Vice Chairman for Kalimantan Region Andi Yuslim Patawari; Vice Chairman for Regional Autonomy Sarman Simanjorang; Vice Chairman for Industry Saleh Husin; Vice Chairman for National Planning Bayu Priawan Djokosoetono; Vice Chairman for Foreign Relations Bernardino M. Vega; Vice Chairman for Trade and Foreign Agreements Pahala Mansury; Vice Chairman for Multilateral Diplomacy Andi Anzhar Cakra Wijaya; Vice Chairman for Strategic Infrastructure Development, Rural Development and Transmigration Thomas Djusman; Vice Chairman for Investment Cooperation with Regional Governments Zulhanar Usman; and Vice Chairman for Exporter Development and Coordination Frits Novianto Suhendar.

Also in attendance were several provincial Kadin chairpersons, including Chairman of Kadin West Sumatra Buchari Bachter, Chairman of Kadin North Sumatra Firsal Ferial (Dida) Mutyara, and Chairman of Kadin West Nusa Tenggara Faurani.