Four Names of HIPMI Chair Candidates Emerged, Anthony Leong is Considered to Have Strategic Advantages

JAKARTA - The National Congress (Munas) XVIII of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (BPP HIPMI) has begun narrowing the direction of the new leadership by appointing four candidates for the general chairman, namely Anthony Leong, Ade Jona Prasetyo, Reynaldo Bryan, and Afifuddin Kalla.

In terms of the economy and the development of the business world, Anthony Leong's name is one of the concerns because he is considered to have a combination of business experience and strategic networks with the government, which is considered important to strengthen the role of HIPMI in encouraging national economic growth.

Anthony is known to be active in building an entrepreneurial ecosystem, as well as having a long track record and involvement in various political contests, especially in supporting Prabowo Subianto from 2019 to the 2024 presidential election.

Anthony's role was also seen in founding the Pride Volunteers (Prabowo Digital Team), where he served as the Founder and National Coordinator, and Pride Volunteers developed into one of the digital volunteer forces that contributed significantly to the 2024 Presidential Election.

The technology-based and social media-based approach is considered relevant to the current business world needs, especially in expanding the market and increasing the competitiveness of young business actors.

In addition, Anthony also interacted with a number of other figures such as Hashim Djojohadikusumo as Chairman of the Pride Volunteer Advisory Board, as well as Sufmi Dasco Ahmad as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

The Executive Director of the Voxpol Center Research and Consulting, Pangi Syarwi Chaniago, assessed that the contest for the General Chair of HIPMI this time cannot be separated from the need for leadership that is able to bridge the interests of the business world and the government.

"In the context of today's government, President Prabowo Subianto certainly needs an extension of hands in various strategic organizations, including HIPMI. Loyal figures like Anthony Leong are relevant because they have a long track record in supporting Prabowo," he said in his statement, Tuesday, April 28.

According to him, experience and consistency in various political phases are added value in building strategic communication with the government.

"Anthony is not an instant figure. He has been through difficult phases with Prabowo, experienced several defeats, and only tasted victory in 2024. That shows consistency and political endurance," he said.

In the future, he added, the leadership of HIPMI is expected to be able to take a bigger role in encouraging inclusive economic growth, strengthening the capacity of young entrepreneurs, and becoming a strategic partner of the government in creating a conducive business climate.

"I think a figure like Bung Anthony has a role to play in policy makers and is able to become a bridge between young entrepreneurs and the government will be very strategic if he is elected at the 2026 XVIII HIPMI National Congress. The Regional HIPMI will definitely see the track record of each candidate who is really loyal to Prabowo," he concluded.