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15th Kompas100 CEO Forum Boosts Collaboration for United Efforts Toward Golden Indonesia
Front Row (The Jakarta Post) October 23, 2024
(Kompas Gramedia)
The 15th Kompas100 CEO Forum Powered by PLN, themed "United Toward a Golden Indonesia” and held on Oct. 11-12, 2024 in Nusantara, East Kalimantan, discussed the achievements over a decade of the administration of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as well as strategies to realize the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.
The event saw the participation of President Jokowi, who provided guidance and set the general direction of the discussion, as well as president-elect Prabowo Subianto, ministers and key officials, and concluded with an emphasis on continuous collaboration and synergy to achieve a Golden Indonesia.
The Kompas daily, in collaboration with state electricity firm PLN, once again organized the Kompas100 CEO Forum, a platform that bridges business leaders with the government, academia and other stakeholders in discussing various issues. This year’s forum focused on aligning all stakeholders toward achieving the Golden Indonesia vision by the centenary of Indonesia’s independence.
The forum invited all participants to reflect on the achievements of President Jokowi and his administration over the past 10 years of his two-term presidency, including economic growth averaging nearly 5 percent annually. The expectation was that these achievements from the last decade would serve as a solid foundation as well as a driver for realizing the goals of the 2045 vision.
Present at the event were chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Ahmad Muzani, ministers of the Indonesia Onward cabinet, East Kalimantan acting governor Akmal Malik and members of the East Kalimantan Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (FORKOPIMDA).
Kompas Gramedia CEO Lilik Oetama, PLN president director Darmawan Prasodjo and Kompas chief editor Sutta Dharmasaputra also attended the 15th Kompas100 CEO Forum, as well as invited CEOs and panelists, along with senior editors from Kompas.
The event began with a statement by Kompas Gramedia CEO Lilik Oetama, who underlined unity as the nation's main strength. He also expressed appreciation to President Jokowi for leading and guiding the people over the past decade with optimism and collective efforts to advance the country.
"Solidarity and unity among all stakeholders are crucial in driving progress and economic growth. Cohesion and collaboration are even more necessary, because the challenges we face are not easy," Lilik said.
"Indonesia's economy must continue to grow rapidly, inclusively and sustainably, paving the way for Indonesia to join the ranks of developed nations, ultimately achieving the Golden Indonesia [vision]," he added.
PLN president director Darmawan Prasodjo followed, expressing his appreciation to President Jokowi for the fruitful development of Indonesia. This was evident in the emergence of new economic growth points and a foundational shift in the development policy, which was now Indonesia-centric.
He also noted that social justice for all citizens had become a reality during President Jokowi's administration, and expressed confidence that under Prabowo’s leadership, the next government would continue, accelerate and strengthen the country’s development.
Darmawan said PLN was ready to provide clean and affordable energy to support the incoming government’s economic growth target of 8 percent, and called on all CEOs in attendance to support this mission.
"Let us align our steps, unify our strength, to continue the development started by President Jokowi and realize Prabowo’s dream for Indonesia," he said.
Lilik and Darmawan then presented the President with a copy of "Jokowi di Mata Rakyat" (Jokowi in the eyes of the people), written by the Kompas Research and Development Team and published by Kompas Gramedia.
President Jokowi followed with his remarks, highlighting significant achievements of his decade-long administration including infrastructure development, stable economic growth and notable progress in the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) development and relocation project.
He also reflected on the challenges his administration faced, one of which was the fuel subsidy reform that initially dented public satisfaction but was deemed a necessary step for the future.
“At that time, I remember my approval rating was 72 percent. But after raising fuel prices, it dropped to 43 percent. But I had calculated that it was a risk I had to take,” the President recalled.
President Jokowi also stressed the importance of unity and optimism in facing global challenges. He highlighted the need for collective positive thinking and a spirit of optimism, reminding everyone to be grateful, particularly for Indonesia's economic growth that had surpassed 5 percent.
In closing, the President called on all gathered to support the incoming Prabowo administration: "Let’s work together to build this country. Let’s fully support the new government under Gen. Prabowo Subianto, who will be inaugurated on Oct. 20. Thank you.”
The forum continued with the main discussion on "Indonesia United: The Foundation Toward Golden Indonesia”, moderated by senior economist A. Prasetyantoko and featuring speakers MPR chairman Ahmad Muzani, National Development Planning Minister/National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Head Suharso Monoarfa, Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Pandjaitan, Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Minister Teten Masduki, Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani, and representative of the Prabowo-Gibran Economic Team Laode Masihu Kamaluddin.
Each speaker discussed strategic steps toward realizing the Golden Indonesia vision, focusing on three key aspects: inclusive economic development, digitalization and efficiency and inter-sectorial collaboration. These three areas were expected to help boost productivity and create higher-quality jobs, thereby accelerating sustainable economic growth.
On the role of SMEs in the national economy, Teten emphasized a need to increase their access to technology and financing, while noting a need for technological intervention in addition to digitalization. Teten presented examples of successful efforts in digitalization that had maximized local potentials and driven the rise of medium-sized industries through boosting local advantages.
Meanwhile, Laode emphasized that significant changes to the economic system were necessary to achieve 8 percent growth. “From all studies, if nothing new is introduced into the economy, we won't reach 8 percent growth. We need something new," he said.
He highlighted the importance of incorporating advanced technologies like big data, generative AI and blockchain to ensure the reliability and security of the data used in policymaking. These technologies, he said, could ensure the creation of more effective and targeted policies.
The forum ended with a brief question-and-answer session, followed by a break before participants proceeded to a dinner featuring a special performance by Elek Yo Band with Yuni Shara. This concluding event also provided a relaxed setting for participants to strengthen relationships and deepen collaboration.
Armed with the commitment to unity and collaboration forged during this year’s event, it is hoped that the Kompas100 CEO Forum will continue to serve as a platform of discussion that encourages the creation of strategic steps to bring long-term, positive impacts for the nation. Engaging government representatives, CEOs and other stakeholders in active participation, the 15th Kompas100 CEO Forum is expected to accelerate economic growth, strengthen key sectors and foster innovations to support the achievement the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.
Source: www.thejakartapost.com