"We need to be observant in spotting the problems around us. Maybe it is simple, but if we can provide a solution, then that is our opportunity to become a startup company," Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan, the Director General of Information Applications at the Communications and Informatics Ministry, noted in a written statement received here on Wednesday.
Pangerapan drew attention to the ever-increasing growth of the digital economy. There were 27 million new users, with around 60 percent of the people actively engaging in transactions in cyberspace. This was the opportunity that became the basis for the creation of 1,000 Digital Startups Program.
He noted that the development of startup companies was part of the growth of the digital startup economy in Indonesia.
“This program has a series that is expected to improve Indonesia. In addition to startups, we help MSMEs to take advantage of the cyberspace. The program was implemented in 20 cities, not only carried out by the Communication and Informatics Ministry but also in collaboration with other ministries and institutions as well as the private sector to address existing digital challenges," he remarked.
Coordinator of the 1,000 Digital Startups Program, Sonny Hendra Sudaryana, commended the founders of start-up companies that contributed to the growth of the digital economy in Indonesia.
Sudaryana said the program was the right platform for able people to start developing Indonesia in the digital era.
“We need (citizens), who can provide new solutions to existing problems. Many young people in Indonesia want to work and create something, but do not know who to meet because they do not have a network. With this initiative, we believe we can provide the resources needed to be empowered and work in this internet era,” he remarked.
CEO of SIRCLO Brian Marshal pointed to three aspects that aspiring company founders should bear in mind while building a startup.
The first aspect was to start with the expectation that it was likely to fail, while the second area of focus was to not become arrogant when the business recorded success and have the courage to face failure when it occurred. The third aspect was for the founder to have a keen eye, spot the problems, and find solutions to them.
“Start by improving your mentality and skills. Hence, hope fails and focuses on learning," Marshal suggested.
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Translator: Indriani, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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