Prabowo Confident Hipmi Can Produce Future Leaders
President Prabowo Subianto attended the 18th National Conference of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (Hipmi) in Bandar Lampung on Wednesday, 10 June 2026. During the opening ceremony, Prabowo addressed the assembled members, stating he was familiar with nearly all of Hipmi’s prominent figures. The former defence minister said he felt a certain harmony with the organisation. “I have quite clicked with Hipmi for a long time,” Prabowo remarked, as broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat.
Prabowo jested that he was also well-acquainted with their various antics. “I already know all your behaviour. So do not try anything funny; I already know what you are all like. I even recognise the signs,” he said.
He expressed confidence that Hipmi can produce community leaders. According to him, many national figures have emerged from the organisation and hold important positions in government and business, both now and in the past. The Chairman of the Gerindra Party thus assessed that Hipmi plays a strategic role as a platform for young entrepreneurs. “So great is the role of Hipmi. This forum produces community leaders and economic leaders,” Prabowo stated.
The 18th Hipmi National Conference took place at the Novotel Bandar Lampung in Lampung Province on 10-11 June 2026. This year’s conference carried the theme “Synergy of Young Entrepreneurs in Building National Economic Strength”. The event also serves as the venue to elect Hipmi’s chairman for the 2026-2029 period. Four candidates are vying for the position: Ade Jona Prasetyo, Anthony Leong, Reynaldo Bryan, and Afifuddin Kalla.
Hipmi estimated the conference was attended by over 2,000 participants, including board members, former chairmen, and members of the organisation. On the opening day attended by President Prabowo, several members of the Red and White Cabinet were present. They included Foreign Minister Sugiono, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas Maruarar Sirait, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, who served as Hipmi chairman from 2015-2019, was also in attendance.