DSC Readies Rp 2.5 Billion Grant to Forge 'Founders of Indonesia'

The Diplomat Success Challenge (DSC) has officially introduced its biggest transformation since its inception in 2009. During a Kick-off and Press Conference in Jakarta, DSC launched Founders’ Arena, an evolution from a business competition into a more open, inclusive, and collaborative entrepreneurship ecosystem. Carrying the theme ‘Founders of Indonesia’, DSC Season 17 is providing a total grant fund of Rp 2.5 billion for Indonesian entrepreneurs. This transformation comes amid Indonesia’s need to produce more entrepreneurs capable of creating jobs and driving economic growth. In its previous season, DSC recorded over 40,000 registrants and has built the Diplomat Entrepreneur Network (DEN) alumni network over 16 years. Ronald Walla, President Director of PT Wismilak Inti Makmur, noted that the launch of DSC Season 17 coincides with national economic growth momentum. The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded that Indonesia’s economy grew by 5.61% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026. However, the ratio of established entrepreneurs in Indonesia only reached 3.43% of the total workforce as of February 2026, still lagging behind Malaysia (4.74%), Thailand (4%), and Singapore (8.76%). Each year, approximately 2.9 million working-age individuals enter the job market. On the other hand, 65.5 million MSMEs have absorbed nearly 97% of the national workforce and contribute around 60% to the GDP, making the birth of new entrepreneurs a strategic necessity for Indonesia. ‘Indonesia needs more founders who are capable of creating solutions and jobs. That is why, after 17 years, DSC is evolving into Founders’ Arena - an ecosystem that is more open and inclusive, while still adhering to the 3P principles: Paham (Understanding), Piawai (Skill), and Persona (Character),’ Ronald stated. In its 17th season, DSC presents Founders’ Arena, a platform designed to meet the needs of Indonesian founders through four main foundations: gaining visibility, being heard, becoming part of a community, and obtaining equal opportunities regardless of background or access. ‘Founders of Indonesia is not just a theme, but a reflection of DSC’s 17-year journey. This year we are evolving from a business competition into an ecosystem that supports founders to grow through community, collaboration, and equal opportunity,’ said Edric Chandra, Program Initiator of Diplomat Success Challenge.