HIPKA Bengkulu Strengthens Investment and Business Ecosystem, Focusing on Developing Young Entrepreneurs

The Regional Executive Board (BPW) of the Himpunan Pengusaha Kops Himpunan Mahasiswa Islam (HIPKA) Bengkulu organised a Business Discussion Forum themed ‘Accelerating Investment and Strengthening the Bengkulu Business Ecosystem: Collaboration between HIPKA, Alumni Networks, and Banking towards a Progressive Bengkulu’. The discussion took place at the Hotel Santika Bengkulu on Saturday, 1 August 2026.

The primary objective is to produce more young entrepreneurs, particularly those emerging from the Himpunan Mahasiswa Islam (HMI) cadres. This effort is considered strategic for optimising Indonesia’s demographic potential while driving economic momentum from the regional level.

Vice Chairman of HIPKA, Dr Ajib Hamdani, revealed that Indonesia possesses a significant opportunity to become a global economic power due to its large population. However, this golden opportunity can only be realised if the Indonesian nation is capable of producing more productive business actors.

“The question is, will we merely be spectators or active players in that economic growth? HIPKA must serve as a platform capable of nurturing new entrepreneurs,” asserted Ajib, who is also a recognised tax consultant.

Ajib emphasised that the organisation must be present to encourage micro-enterprises to grow into medium-sized businesses, and eventually scale up into large enterprises capable of competing on the international stage. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of regional economic equality, including in Bengkulu Province, through the strengthening of local business actors.

“Indonesia will not shine solely because of the great light in Jakarta. Indonesia will shine from the small flickers of candlelight in the regions. Therefore, regional entrepreneurs must continue to grow and be strengthened,” he stated.

From a business practitioner’s perspective, the CEO of PT Laksita Bengkulu, Afrizal Arifin, reminded cadres that the primary capital in building a business is not solely monetary. “If you want to do business, it does not necessarily mean you must have large capital first. The most important things are having networking and the intention to start the business,” said Afrizal.