Anindya Bakrie: Kadin Must Be More United, Help Government Create Jobs

Jakarta, investortrust.id — The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or Kadin, must rise to meet heightened expectations from the government and citizens, emphasized its newly inaugurated chairman, Anindya Bakrie. 

Speaking at the "National Consolidation Meeting of Kadin Indonesia" in Jakarta on Thursday, Anindya outlined the importance of unity, inclusivity, and a collaborative spirit among entrepreneurs to support national development.

"Kadin is the umbrella for all entrepreneurs. All entrepreneurs must unite and stand together under Kadin. 'United we stand, divided we fall' is the philosophy we uphold together," said Anindya during the event held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Mega Kuningan. The gathering was attended by President Prabowo Subianto, members of the Red and White Cabinet, former Kadin leaders, and representatives from across the country, including 35 regional Kadin chairmen and 60 officials representing over 200 business associations.

Anindya stressed that Kadin’s role as a strategic partner of the government requires active participation and unwavering support for state-led programs aimed at economic growth and social development.

Earlier in the day, Anindya was officially inaugurated as Chairman of Kadin Indonesia for the 2024–2029 term, alongside M. Arsjad Rasjid P.M., who assumed the position of Chairman of the Advisory Council. Their leadership comes at a critical juncture, as Indonesia seeks to leverage private-sector collaboration to address pressing economic challenges.

President Prabowo Subianto, in his remarks, reiterated the importance of Kadin’s role in implementing government programs, noting that private-sector involvement is key to achieving the nation’s ambitious economic goals.

The event served as a platform to reinforce Kadin’s commitment to unity and its dedication to fostering economic opportunities through entrepreneurship, cooperation, and innovation.

Chairman of the Honorary Council of Kadin Indonesia, Rosan P. Roeslani, who also chaired the "National Consolidation Meeting of Kadin Indonesia," stated that Kadin's dynamics are in the past, and now it is time for all the forces within Kadin to unite to support and cooperate with the government in successfully implementing all programs to improve people's welfare. Meanwhile, Arsjad emphasized that Kadin must be unified and solid for the stability and certainty of the business world.

"Something we firmly uphold together with Mr. Arsjad is that Kadin must be united. Because with a united Kadin, we can move forward faster," said Anindya. Quoting President Prabowo, Anindya remarked, "One thousand friends are too few, one enemy is too many."

President Prabowo Subianto, on the same occasion, congratulated Rosan, Arsjad, and Anin, as well as the Kadin Indonesia team, for successfully organizing the National Consolidation Meeting. He urged Kadin Indonesia to be united, dynamic, brave, innovative, cooperative, and to embody the spirit of Indonesia Incorporated.

"Leaders must be united. It doesn't matter who is number one, two, or three. Just take turns, right? Just take turns, not all at once," said the Head of State.

Strategic Partner of the Government

According to Law No. 1 of 1987 on the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kadin has two core essences. First, as Anindya stated, Kadin is a strategic partner of the government. Kadin collaborates with the government to build the economy amidst various opportunities and challenges. "Kadin must help the government by creating job opportunities, reducing unemployment, and alleviating poverty," explained Anindya.

Second, Kadin serves as the umbrella organization for all business sectors, including private companies, state-owned enterprises (BUMN), cooperatives, and MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises). "This inauguration (of Anindya as Chairman of Kadin) is a mandate that we hope can be carried out well," said Anindya.

As an organization that encompasses all business actors and is inclusive, Kadin must prioritize cooperation, mutual aid, and collaboration. The global economy is currently experiencing contraction, marked by a decline in economic growth. While supply chains have not yet recovered, geopolitical conflicts continue unabated, intensifying the competition for investment funds.

Unity in Challenging Times

In the increasingly challenging global situation, Kadin must unite. "The current events are extraordinary. Kadin has already demonstrated the spirit of unity. Thanks to my friend Arsjad, who always calls for unity, mutual cooperation, and collaboration," said Anindya.

Anindya urged all Kadin members to support and succeed in government programs and to participate in every government program. He believes that an economic growth rate above 8% can be achieved if all parties unite and work together with the government.

Among the government programs, Anindya highlighted the free nutritious food program (MBG) and food security. For MBG, there are approximately 11,000 kitchens that need to operate to provide food for students across Indonesia.

Participation and Gratitude

"We are confident that Kadin members in 35 provinces—soon to be 38 provinces—will participate," Anindya said. Business actors can participate in various aspects, from funding and food supply to transportation. Besides the MBG program, the food security program offers extensive opportunities for Kadin members. Regional Kadin members have the chance to participate in the MBG program and the food sector.

Secondly, the program to build three million houses, one million in urban areas and two million in rural areas. Building an affordable house requires labor and building materials, from pillars, floors, and walls to roofs. "An affordable house of type 36 requires about 4,500 red bricks. Not to mention there are around 150 vendors involved in each affordable housing project," Anindya elaborated.

"I thank President Prabowo for his presence amidst his busy schedule. My thanks to Mr. Arsjad, who is now the chairman of the Advisory Council. And of course, I thank Mr. Rosan, who is the Chairman of today's event as chairman of the Honorary Council. I also thank the former Chairmen of Kadin and the Central Kadin officials. My deepest gratitude to the shareholders of Kadin, namely the regional Kadin chairmen and association leaders," concluded Anindya.