Jambi City Strengthens Its Position as a Hub for Economic Activity and Young National Entrepreneurs

Jambi City is increasingly asserting its position as a center of economic activity and a meeting place for young national entrepreneurs. This was evident from the holding of the first presidential debate for candidates for Chairman of the Central Board of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (BPP HIPMI) for the 2026–2029 term, as part of the series of events for the XVIII HIPMI National Congress at BW Luxury Hotel on Saturday (9/5/2026).

The dynamic debate was attended directly by the Mayor of Jambi, Maulana, and the Deputy Mayor of Jambi, Diza Hazra Aljosha.

A warm yet competitive atmosphere colored the event. Supporters of the four candidates chanted slogans of support, while the candidates presented their visions and strategies for developing the HIPMI organization amid national economic challenges.

The official debate was opened by the current Chairman of BPP HIPMI, Akbar Himawan Buchari, and moderated by Brigita Manohara. Several prominent figures served as panelists, including Erwin Aksa, Usman Sulaiman, A Bakri, and Universitas Jambi academic Syahmardi Yacob.

The four candidates who took part in the first debate were Ade Jona Prasetyo, Anthony Leong, Reynaldo Bryan, and Afifuddin Kalla.

In his opening remarks, Akbar Himawan Buchari emphasized that all candidates are HIPMI’s best cadres and have equal opportunities to lead the organization.

“HIPMI must become a strategic partner of the government and the driving force of regional economies. Make this event a platform for exchanging ideas, not for tearing each other down. We remain one big family,” he asserted.

He also appreciated the Jambi Provincial Government for its strong support in organizing the series of XVIII HIPMI National Congress events, including this first candidates’ debate.

“We would like to thank the Governor and all his staff for the warm welcome. Since last night, the candidates have been conducting consolidation and silaturahmi (networking) sessions in Jambi,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jambi Mayor Maulana assessed that hosting this national debate has had a direct positive impact on the local economy, particularly in the services sector and MSMEs.

“On behalf of the Jambi City Government and the people of Jambi, we thank you for choosing our city as the host for the first debate of the BPP HIPMI Chairman candidates,” he said.

According to Maulana, the increased number of participants and supporters visiting from various regions has boosted hotel occupancy, culinary businesses, and the activities of local MSMEs.

“Jambi City’s turnover increased during this debate. The turnover of MSMEs in Jambi City has risen. This proves that HIPMI truly stands for the people and small entrepreneurs,” he said.

He also expressed hope that this momentum would further promote Jambi City as a city open to investment, national events, and the development of youth-based creative economy.

“Because this is an effort to build character among young people as entrepreneurs, hopefully this activity will benefit the wider community, especially in Jambi City,” he concluded.

As part of the XVIII HIPMI National Congress series, the second debate is scheduled to take place in Bali on May 23, 2026, while the final debate will be held in Jakarta.