Reynaldo Bryan Optimistic that Indonesian Entrepreneurs Can Weather National Economic Challenges

Reynaldo Bryan, the prospective Chairman of BPP HIPMI, stressed his optimism about the resilience of the national business sector amid ongoing global and domestic economic dynamics during the Second Debate for BPP HIPMI chairmanship held at Merusaka Nusa Dua on Saturday, 23 May.

Panelists highlighted current economic conditions, including a decline in the IHSG and a weaker rupiah against the US dollar. In response, Bryan urged entrepreneurs to maintain confidence and a spirit of collaboration to confront economic challenges.

‘We must be optimistic that Indonesian entrepreneurs can weather the current conditions. I believe the government has the best programmes to face both global and domestic challenges today,’ he said. He also noted that the rupiah’s current level resembles 1998, but Indonesia’s economic fundamentals today are far stronger and more stable than during that previous crisis. ‘Looking at the data, our rupiah position today is similar to 1998. Yet our economy today remains sound—business activity continues, household consumption remains supported, and the business community remains active. That means we must trust and back government policies to maintain national economic stability,’ he asserted.

During the session, Bryan outlined his PATEN programme, which focuses on building a more progressive and adaptive organisational ecosystem to meet contemporary challenges. He argued that HIPMI should play a larger role in national economic development, not merely benefit from government policy.

‘HIPMI must be the locomotive, not the carriage. HIPMI should actively engage, innovate, and become a strategic government partner—participating in policy planning and evaluation rather than merely enjoying policies,’ he said.

Bryan added that HIPMI, as the home of young entrepreneurs, should strengthen collaboration between the business world and government, and serve as a platform for innovation and solutions to national and regional economic challenges.

The Second Debate for BPP HIPMI chairmanship candidates provided an important moment for contenders to present ideas and strategies to address global economic challenges and to reinforce HIPMI as a motor of Indonesia’s economy and entrepreneurship. Bryan emphasised that competition within HIPMI should be conducted in a relaxed manner that preserves a familial atmosphere.

Bank Indonesia’s Head of Public Communications Ramdan Denny Prakoso noted that the current account deficit remains controlled despite a slower global economy. The article also mentions discussions around President Prabowo’s appearance at a plenary session to read the KEM-PPKF as a sign of the government’s seriousness. It also highlights public concerns ranging from rising prices of essential goods, shrinking employment opportunities to weakening household purchasing power. It explains that national capacity is not measured solely by the size of the state budget (APBN).

President Prabowo is scheduled to attend a plenary session of the DPR in Jakarta on Wednesday, 20 May.