President Prabowo Highlights Nationalism as Foundation of National Economy Advancement

President Prabowo officially opens the 18th National Congress of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) that took place in Bandar Lampung city, Lampung province, on Wednesday (6/10). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto officially opened the 18th National Congress of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) in Bandar Lampung city, Lampung province, on Wednesday (6/10). The presence of the Head of State in this event reaffirmed the Government’s support for the strategic role of HIPMI in strengthening the national economy and producing generations of competitive entrepreneurs.

Upon his arrival at the venue, the President was enthusiastically welcomed by thousands of participants from across Indonesia. The event started with the singing of Indonesia’s national anthem, followed by a hymn and a march of HIPMI, which echoed throughout the meeting room. A solemn atmosphere was then felt during the opening prayer.

The chairperson of the Central Executive Board of HIPMI, Akbar Himawan Buchar, in his report, stated that the 18th National Congress of HIPMI was an important momentum for the organization to strengthen its real contribution to the development of the national economy. According to him, the spirit of economic independence inherited by the founders of the nation must become guidelines for the young generation of Indonesian entrepreneurs.

“We are guided by the message of Prof. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, who reminded us that the independence of Indonesia without economic independence is merely a ceremony. We don’t want our independence to be only a ceremony. Because of that, his Congress becomes a forum for HIPMI to formulate real contributions, ensuring that Indonesia is not only politically independent but also economically independent,” stated Akbar.

In his remarks, President Prabowo emphasized that the existence of HIPMI as a forum for young entrepreneurs is important for the future of Indonesia. The Head of State stated that the spirit of nationalism, which was the foundation of HIPMI’s formation, is the key factor that will determine the future of a nation.

“HIPMI, as the forum of young entrepreneurs, is an important forum, and the formation of HIPMI with the nationalist vision is very important. Actually, the advancement of a nation without nationalism is impossible. Even the forefathers of capitalism, the teachers of capitalism themselves, said that economic growth can only be realized with nationalism,” stated President Prabowo.

After his remarks, President Prabowo officially opened the 18th National Congress of HIPMI with the theme “Synergy of Young Entrepreneurs in Building National Economic Strength”. The opening ceremony was marked by the playing of traditional Lampung musical instruments by President Prabowo, accompanied by HIPMI’s figures and candidates for the chairperson of HIPMI’s Central Executive Board.

“By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, today, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, I, Prabowo Subianto, hereby officially open the 18th National Congress of HIPMI,” concluded the President. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of the Presidential Secretariat) (TCUD/MMB)