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Young entrepreneurs gain prominence in Jokowi’s second term, but doubt remains
Young entrepreneurs have continued to gain prominence in President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo’s administration as he strives to make technological innovation central to the remainder of his presidency, but experts say it will likely take more than youthful energy and tech savvy to create lasting change.
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Bukalapak chief executive officer Rachmat Kaimuddin delivers a speech during the company's initial public offering on Aug. 6, 2021. (Courtesy of Bukalapak)
Young entrepreneurs have continued to gain prominence in President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo’s administration as he strives to make technological innovation central to the remainder of his presidency, but experts say it will likely take more than youthful energy and tech savvy to create lasting change.
Since Jokowi’s reelection in 2019, a number of relatively young entrepreneurs have jumped the fence to government. They are part of an emerging business elite that may offer more popular interest and fewer political liabilities than the country’s resource-rich oligarchs.
At an online press conference last week, Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Pandjaitan announced the appointment of former president director of e-commerce firm Bukalapak, Rachmat Kaimuddin, as his special advisor for technology and sustainable development.
Luhut said Rachmat’s recruitment had been planned and discussed over the past few months and that it signified the government's commitment to encouraging large-scale technological transformation in the country.
The minister cited Rachmat’s leadership experience in various fields, including technology and sustainable development.
