Erick Thohir Appreciates Wismilak Owned By Conglomerate Oei Bian Hok Holds Entrepreneurial Competition: Opportunity To Innovate

JAKARTA - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir in particular expressed his appreciation for the Wismilak Foundation initiative which held the largest entrepreneurial competition in Indonesia.

According to Erick, these efforts can be an ideal means of finding strong entrepreneurs who have the potential to contribute to the national economy. Moreover, the targets targeted by the cigarette company owned by conglomerate Oei Bian Hok are young business people who are considered to be able to offer fresh concepts and ideas according to the current situation.

"Through this program and competition, it is hoped that it will provide the widest opportunity for the development of the entrepreneurial sector so that it continues to innovate and develop," he said in a written statement, quoted on Tuesday, October 5.

Erick added that the step to advance the economy is not only the work of the government. For this reason, the active role of the private sector is very important to the success of the common goal for a prosperous Indonesia.

"It takes synergy and support not only from the government but also the private sector, including the strategy of holding an entrepreneurial competition that provides challenges as well as solutions to keep it in line with the progress of the times," he said.

On the same occasion, President Director of Wismilak Ronald Walla explained that his party consistently supports the advancement of the world of entrepreneurship in Indonesia. This is reflected in the Diplomat Success Challenge (DSC) event since 2010 and has now entered batch 12.

"We are strongly committed to supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country," he said.

In addition, Ronald also revealed that the people's economic sector plays an important role in driving the national economy. Therefore, the focus on encouraging the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector is what this initiative is trying to optimize.

"This competition is our effective way to empower MSMEs and other entrepreneurs throughout the country so that they can contribute more to the country," he said.

For information, this 12th DSC is trying to gather proposals and potential business ideas from various regions. Meanwhile, the registration process has started since July 19 and will end on October 19.

As an encouragement, the organizing committee promised appreciation in the form of business capital totaling Rp2 billion for participants who are considered the most capable in carrying out and implementing business plans.

Not only that, it is also said that the Wismilak Foundation will provide assistance for participants to develop business activities in accordance with their respective cores.

“Remarkably, we have received more than 11,000 business proposals. This is a reflection that MSME actors, especially young people, are actually very productive. This is a positive signal if young Indonesians dare to be entrepreneurs and participate in the Indonesian economy," concluded Ronald.