Antara, Bogor, W – Java – President Prabowo Subianto met with more than 230 members of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) at his Hambalang residence on Friday before sending them to a three-day leadership retreat, from Aug. 8 to Aug. 10, in Magelang, Central Java.
The delegation, led by Kadin Chairman Anindya Bakrie, included provincial leaders from 38 regions, 25 business associations, and several former Kadin chairmen. The gathering also drew prominent business figures such as Aburizal Bakrie, MS Hidayat, Suryo Bambang Sulisto, Oesman Sapta Odang, Sharif Cicip Sutardjo, James T. Riady, Tomy Winata, Franky Oesman Widjaja, and Hilmi Panigoro. Also present were Kadin Advisory Board Chairman Arsjad Rasjid, Investment and Downstreaming Minister/Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Chief Rosan Roeslani, and Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia.
"Medium-scale businesses, especially large ones, can run on their own without government help. My job is to support the small, the micro, and the left-behind," Prabowo said during the send-off for 200 retreat participants.
"It's not healthy for our nation if only some of us live in prosperity while many struggle. If this continues, everyone will lose because unwanted social problems will arise," he added. "If all citizens are prosperous, your businesses will thrive. The economy will grow faster as more people can buy your products, shop at malls, purchase property, and so on."
The Kadin retreat will take place at the Magelang Military Academy, the same venue where Prabowo sent all members of his Merah Putih ("Red and White") cabinet for a four-day briefing and military training last October to build stronger teamwork. In a nod to that event, all Kadin members attending the Hambalang meeting on Friday wore military uniforms, just as cabinet members did during the October retreat.
According to Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, the retreat aims to strengthen discipline, nationalism, perseverance, and business leadership, while reinforcing collaboration between the government and the private sector amid global economic challenges.
Anindya said the gathering showcased unity among Indonesia's top business leaders and reaffirmed Kadin's role as a strategic partner for the government.
Following the two-hour closed-door meeting, which included a casual meal with the president, the group departed for Magelang aboard a Hercules aircraft.
The 2025 retreat carries the theme "Indonesia Incorporated," focusing on the private sector's commitment to driving inclusive, sustainable, and competitive economic growth in support of the nation's 2045 vision.