From Hetero Space Solo, Ganjar-Gibran Hopes A New Unicorn Is Born

Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo (Photo via Central Java Provincial Government)

JAKARTA - Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo inaugurated Hetero Space in Solo City. From this place, Ganjar hopes that new start-ups and learning spaces for SMEs will emerge towards a digital atmosphere.

The location of Hetero Space Solo is on Jendral Urip Sumoharjo 92 Street. This is a place for learning as well as incubation for SMEs and start-ups. The renovation of the former Solo City DPU building cost approximately Rp2.2 billion. In addition to office facilities, there is also a Maker Space, studio, event space, and gaming area.

"Hopefully friends who want to sell, practice, want to find access to capital and assistance, come here. There have been creative people who have made their products, if we can take care of it, it feels like we can get a new startup, a fast unicorn. And that's in Indonesia," said Ganjar during a dialogue with Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Sunday, December 19.

With the facilities that have been made, he hopes that people in Solo can take advantage of the space. Moreover, to create Hetero Space Solo, which was the former office of the Solo DPU, the Central Java Provincial Government collaborated with many parties. These include the BUMD Communication Forum, BUMN Communication Forum, and Central Java Bank.

With this collaboration, Ganjar hopes that aspiring cyber entrepreneurs will not hesitate to visit the place. Because there are many institutions that can provide access to capital or learning facilities.

"Young people must take advantage of it. Mr. Gibran's language was mandatory. Because there are many creative children in Solo who can make extraordinary kicks. My job and Mr. Gibran's are to facilitate. We have already done the facilitation, so just take advantage of it," added Ganjar.

Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka underlined Ganjar's statement. According to him, Hetero Space is an embodiment of the people's demand for a learning center for SMEs or the arts.

"Yes, watch out, it has been created, they asked during the campaign. It has been created. There are also many places like this in Solo, so take advantage of it," explained Gibran.

In addition, he also warned entrepreneurs to use capital from conventional banks. According to him, access to capital from conventional banks is clearer, than using online loans.

"Hopefully, MSMEs can advance to class. Collaboration space like this must be used as much as possible," he added.

Head of the Central Java Cooperatives and SMEs Service (Dinkop UKM), Ema Rahmawati, said that she would continue to make improvements to the Solo Hetero Space. This involves several facilities that are tailored to the needs of prospective startups and SMEs in Solo.

"After Solo, the target is in Purwokerto (Banyumas) later, we will collaborate on the target in 2022," Ema concluded.