Minister of Social Affairs Invites Young Generation to Optimize Entrepreneurship Potential in the Digital Age

JAKARTA (May 9, 2023) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini invited the young generation to explore and develop entrepreneurship potential in the digital era. The large potential of digital-based entrepreneurship is indicated by the high growth of start-ups.

"It is clear that we have tremendous potential. If we don't 'handle' it, someone else will. Because all over the world start-ups are moving and the numbers are extraordinary. Everyone has an ability as long as they want to learn and understand the business world. Nothing is impossible," said the Minister of Social Affairs in the Launching of Activist Preneur Go Digital initiated by the Indonesian National Youth Commission (KNPI) at Roemah Pemoeda, Jakarta, Monday (08/04).

The Minister of Social Affairs revealed that digital-based business development is an attractive alternative and opens up business opportunities.

"(With digital-based businesses) yesterday it was proven that during the Covid-19 (pandemic) we can survive," she said.

Regarding the tight competition in the business world, the Minister of Social Affairs conveyed the need for continuous coaching if the program has been implemented. She gave an example of the Nusantara Economic Heroes (PENA) Program from the Ministry of Social Affairs which targeted the poor and vulnerable families to start entrepreneurs so that they do not depend on social assistance.

"We guide (beneficiaries) continuously. Like PENA, we can hold continuous training. And the number of participants is extraordinary, more than a thousand. Last time we taught them how to manage finances," said Risma.

Through PENA, poor and vulnerable families are provided with training and mentoring to grow the capacity of beneficiaries to create sustainable businesses.

Another example is the Minister of Social Affairs explained the guidance that the Ministry of Social Affairs has carried out through the PENA program for the youth of the Asmat Tribe to assemble fiber ships in 2022 in collaboration with the university.

"Asmat children can now make boats made directly in Papua. The boat can be used as a means of transportation for residents to make a living," said the Minister of Social Affairs

She also gave an example of Surabaya's Economic Program (PE) when she was Mayor in 2010 which inspired the PENA Program. PE succeeded in reducing the poverty rate in Surabaya City from 32% to 4.9%.

The program emphasizes the motto "Go Global Go Financial Go Digital" which means that products can compete in the world arena, recipients are taught to be financially 'literate' with good financial management, as well as the use of digital technology to maximize business.

Risma said that later the Ministry of Social Affairs will see the cooperation that can be done with KNPI to empower youth.

On the same occasion, House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia Commission 1 member Dave Akbarsyah Fikarno Laksono said that in addition to organizational and political understanding, entrepreneurship is also a concrete step to building the country's economy.

"(Being) entrepreneurs, youth can reduce poverty and unemployment," he said.

Chairman of the DPP of the Indonesian Youth National Committee (KNPI) Muhammad Ryano Panjaitan, said the total number of entrepreneurs in Indonesia is 3.4%. Only 1.65% of them are young people.

"Through the Activist Preneur Program, KNPI will accommodate youth to become entrepreneurs who are not only profit-oriented but also have a high social spirit," said Ryano.