Jambi - Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Anindya Novyan Bakrie, officially inaugurated the Jambi Provincial KADIN Board for the 2024–2029 term under the theme “Building Synergy for All Business Actors.” The inauguration took place at BW Luxury Hotel Jambi on Wednesday evening (September 17, 2025).

In his remarks, Anindya commonly known as Anin emphasized that Jambi Province still holds vast untapped economic potential. However, he also highlighted various structural challenges that continue to hinder the region's development.

“Jambi faces quite complex challenges. From the absence of a seaport to regulations that need further clarification. But the economic potential here is immense,” Anin stated.

Anin pointed out that Jambi produces several leading commodities in significant volumes, including palm oil, rubber, cinnamon, areca nut, and robusta coffee. According to his presentation, over 2 million tons of crude palm oil (CPO), 341,000 tons of rubber, 56,000 tons of cinnamon, 13,000 tons of areca nut, and 14,000 tons of robusta coffee are produced in the province.

Anin urged stakeholders to view these potentials as strengths rather than obstacles.

“We must see Jambi’s economy as a glass half full, not half empty,” he remarked.

He further noted that 60% of oil palm plantations in Jambi are owned by independent smallholder farmers. As such, he stressed the urgent need for support in terms of technological facilitation, access to credit, and downstream industrial development.

“We need to help them enter downstream sectors like oleochemicals chemical compounds derived from natural oils and fats, both vegetable and animal-based—and biodiesel,” Anin explained.

The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector also received attention during the event. Anin noted that there are approximately 165,000 MSMEs across Jambi Province, with 47,000 located in Jambi City alone. Local products such as Jambi batik and handicrafts are seen as having strong potential to scale up through digitalization and expanded market access.

“MSMEs can grow much bigger with the help of technology. In fact, with artificial intelligence (AI), nothing is impossible. What matters most is willingness and adaptability,” he said.

Anin also reiterated the concept of “Indonesia Incorporated,” a collaborative approach among business actors to achieve collective growth.

“Leveling up shouldn’t be done individually it must be done together. Collaboration is the key,” Anin stressed.

Meanwhile, the newly elected Chairman of Kadin Jambi Province, Usman Sulaiman, highlighted the region’s abundant natural resources.

“Jambi has coal, gold, iron ore, and more. Tourism is also growing—many cafes and restaurants are emerging. This indicates that economic activity is picking up,” Usman said.

However, he pointed out that limitations in logistics infrastructure—particularly the absence of a seaport—remain a major obstacle to expanding export access and supporting local industries.

“No province can become great without a seaport. To this day, Jambi still doesn’t have one. This is a serious barrier,” he noted.

Usman expressed hope that seaport development in Jambi would soon be realized, noting its potential as a critical milestone for accelerating regional economic growth.

“If a port is built, I am confident that Jambi will experience much greater progress,” Usman concluded.

Also attending the inauguration were Widiyanto Saputro Vice Chairman for Membership Affairs Indonesian Kadin, Muhammad Iqbal Piyeung, Chairman of Kadin Aceh, Masuri Chairman of KADIN Riau, Anton Timbang Chairman of Kadin Southeast Sulawesi, Pipin Moh. Saiful Arifin Executive Director of Indonesian Kadin, Sudirman Regional Secretary of Jambi Province, representing Governor Al Haris Sugeng Mulyono, Head of the Agricultural Training Center of Jambi Province representing Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman, Diza Hazra Aljosha Deputy Mayor of Jambi, A. Bakri HM, Member of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Commission V.