Anthony Leong Proposes Youth Development Bank to Foster New Entrepreneurs
Jakarta, VIVA – Anthony Leong, candidate chairman of the Central Board of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (BPP Hipmi), has proposed the establishment of a Youth Development Bank to address difficulties in accessing financing and the lack of financial institutions truly supportive of young entrepreneurs.
The proposal was made during a debate for the BPP Hipmi chairman candidate in Bali and drew significant attention for offering concrete solutions to longstanding challenges faced by young Indonesian entrepreneurs.
Through Hipmi, Anthony is pushing for a new financial institution specifically focused on supporting productive financing for young entrepreneurs.
“We will propose to the government the creation of a new bank focused on a business financing scheme based on feasibility studies, with strict screening by the government and entrepreneur associations,” Anthony stated on 25 May 2026.
The Youth Development Bank concept is not merely about low-interest loans but about building a financing system that genuinely supports the emergence of new entrepreneurs in Indonesia.
Anthony explained that financing under this scheme would be based on business viability and potential, not solely on collateral or assets owned by the entrepreneur.
He noted that many young Indonesians have innovative and promising business ideas but fail to grow due to conventional financing systems that are not entrepreneur-friendly for startups.
“What we are fighting for is not just low interest rates, but guaranteed access to financing for the emergence of new young entrepreneurs,” he said.
Under Anthony’s proposal, the Youth Development Bank would apply a competitive interest rate of 2-3% above the BI Rate to ensure financial sustainability while remaining affordable for young entrepreneurs.
Anthony stressed that the screening process is crucial to ensure financing goes to businesses with strong prospects and real economic impact, involving both government and entrepreneur associations to guarantee the quality and sustainability of funded ventures.