[Jakarta], [19 September 2023] The Youth Co:Lab National Bootcamp 2023 and its dynamic Kick-Off Webinar, themed "Youth Talks: Berkarya Di Luar Batas," were resounding successes in fostering a community passionate about youth-driven innovation and sustainable development. Held on Friday, September 15th, 2023, this event marked a pivotal moment in galvanizing collective action towards positive societal transformation.

The Kick-Off Webinar, hosted on the Zoom platform, attracted a spirited audience of 87 participants hailing from diverse locations including Balikpapan, Jakarta, Palu, Papua, Ambon, and many other cities all across Indonesia.

The event kicked off with invigorating opening remarks by distinguished speakers:

Hendro Wicaksono, Assistant Deputy for Youth Entrepreneurship at the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenpora RI), set the stage with a forward-looking address, highlighting the digital surge in youth entrepreneurship anticipated by 2025, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to bolster digital commerce.

Dona Agung Nugraha, Head of Internal Communications at Citi Indonesia, shared profound insights from over a decade of experience in various facets of the banking industry, underlining the pivotal role of entrepreneurship in Indonesia's economic growth.

M. Didi Hardiana, Head of Innovative Financing Lab at UNDP Indonesia, shed light on innovative financing solutions to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reaffirming the potential of youth-led ventures in driving economic progress.

Randa Sandhita, Technical Assistant for Youth Engagement, UNDP Indonesia, provided valuable insights into the Youth Co:Lab program's significant impact on youth entrepreneurship in Indonesia. With over 17,000 indirect beneficiaries and the launch of more than 170 new businesses, the program continues to be a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Bagja Wiranandhika Prawira, a confident leader and passionate Deaf and disabilities activist, emphasized the importance of sign language accessibility through Silang.id. His dedication to breaking communication barriers for the hearing-impaired resonated deeply with the audience. His organization, Silang, focuses on providing essential accessibility through sign language interpreters and Video Relay Services (VRS), effectively bridging the gap between the deaf community and the world at large.

Amanda Simandjuntak, Co-founder of Skilvul and Markoding, shared her journey of establishing a social enterprise dedicated to empowering youth with 21st-century skills. She highlighted the immense potential in equipping young individuals, especially those in underserved regions, with relevant digital skills. Her programs have successfully addressed the skills gap and provided opportunities for meaningful employment.

Ni Komang Ayu Suriani –founder of a social enterprise called Difalink, a platform connecting people with disabilities to companies in Indonesia– facilitated the discussion, underscoring the critical role of collaborative efforts in driving positive societal change. Her insightful questions guided the conversation towards actionable strategies for integrating inclusive practices and skills development in both urban and marginalized communities.

The exchange of ideas and experiences between Bagja, Amanda, and Suri illuminated the diverse approaches needed to foster inclusivity, innovation, and skills development within the youth demographic. Their collective vision for a more accessible and digitally empowered future was evident throughout the discussion.

The Youth Co:Lab National Bootcamp, now in its sixth edition since its inception in 2018, adopted the theme of "Inclusive Entrepreneurship" affirming the commitment to leave no one behind in Indonesia's economic development. The program continues to empower traditionally underrepresented groups, with nearly 60% of participants being women.

As part of its holistic approach, Youth Co:Lab not only nurtures young entrepreneurs but also engages in policy advocacy to create an enabling environment for youth-led businesses. This includes national dialogues to address policy, cultural, and market access challenges.

The success of Youth Co:Lab is evident in the growth of over 400 businesses under its umbrella, contributing significantly to sectors such as education, F&B, culture, art, energy, and waste management.

The event concluded with testimonials from participants and stakeholders, underscoring the program's profound impact and expressing a collective commitment to further expand its reach across Indonesia.

As the Youth Co:Lab National Bootcamp 2023 unfolds, it promises to be a transformative experience for young participants, offering them a platform to learn, connect, and contribute towards building a more inclusive and innovative society. It continues to invite more regional governments and youth communities to join the movement, amplifying its impact and ensuring that no youth is left behind in the realm of social entrepreneurship.