LocationsAmplifying Impact through the Localisation of Youth Co:Lab Indonesia
November 17, 2023
In recent years, youth entrepreneurship in Indonesia has witnessed a remarkable surge. Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reveals a consistent uptick in young entrepreneurs, reflecting a burgeoning interest and potential within this sector. Notably, as Indonesia undergoes economic recovery, the nation's youth are positioned at the forefront, driving post-pandemic innovation. This resurgence is underscored by Statistics Indonesia (BPS)'s 2022 report, showcasing an impressive 5.44% increase in economic growth during the second quarter. Meaning It is imperative to extend the opportunities of entrepreneurship to a broad and diverse spectrum of society.
Since 2018, Youth Co:Lab Indonesia, a joint initiative co-led by UNDP and Citi Foundation hosted under the Innovative Financing Lab focuses on four main pillars: awareness, action, advocacy, and alumni engagement, ensuring that we leave no youth behind. The initiative has supported more than 400+ youth-led businesses, 57% being women-led.
To amplify its impact, Youth Co:Lab Indonesia is pioneering innovative strategies to localize Youth Co:Lab through sub-national implementations. By embedding the Youth Co:Lab initiative within Indonesia's sub-national framework, this involves forging vital partnerships between governmental bodies and vibrant youth communities, with the primary goals being to instil a sense of ownership over the Youth Co:Lab initiative and to engage a broader group of young entrepreneurs across the nation.
Ambon Creativepreneur 2023 X Youth Co:Lab participants
This localized strategy unfolds through two pivotal approaches. Firstly, a collaborative effort with the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) in piloting the National Strategy of Youth Entrepreneurship in Ambon. Secondly, dynamic partnerships with youth communities are being forged in Palembang. Youth Co:Lab Sub-National strategy offers technical expertise in program design, enhanced curriculum on entrepreneurship, either on ideation or scaling up the seed stage entrepreneurs, and supporting the participants selection.
In Maluku, Ambon province, The collaboration has given birth to the "Ambon Creativepreneur 2023 X Youth Co:Lab" program, designed to empower and engage social entrepreneurs within Ambon. Around 21 promising social businesses participated in online and offline training from 29 to 31 August 2023, culminating in a pitching session on the final day. Three social enterprises stood out from this vibrant pool, securing their place in the Youth Co:Lab National Bootcamp.
Nutmegic Ice Cream: A venture dedicated to uplifting local nutmeg farmers by augmenting their income by creating delectable ice cream.
Melanesian Gallery: Transforming household waste materials into exquisite art pieces, a testament to the power of recycling.
Video 360: Repurposing unused iron materials into cutting-edge 360-degree video tools, exemplifying a journey of creative transformation.
Labirin Sriwijaya 2023 x Youth Co:Lab
In South Sumatera, a collaboration with the youth community, Purna Caraka Muda Indonesia (PCMI) South Sumatera, fortified by the steadfast support of the Bank of Indonesia, has led to the inception of the "Labirin Sriwijaya 2023 X Youth Co:Lab" program. This strategic endeavor is laser-focused on energizing and enabling social entrepreneurs within the region.
The journey commenced with 50 social businesses, distilled to a select 25, who embarked on an intensive online training curriculum from August 12th to 13th, 2023. The zenith of the program was reached as the top 10 social businesses were unveiled, gaining entry to the "Final Day" event on August 24th, 2023. This high-stakes occasion brought together 108 invitees representing diverse stakeholders deeply invested in the realm of youth entrepreneurship. The selected top 3 social business are:
WeLove: Pioneering skincare waste management services with a tech-savvy and eco-conscious twist.
Sidespin (Sistem Desa Pintar): Accelerating technological progress in remote 3T villages.
Kriya Kite: Empowering local women in Toman Village by fostering the art of Gambo fabric craftsmanship.
These selected winners from Ambon and Palembang will now embark on a transformative journey, joining the Youth Co:Lab National Bootcamp 2023 under the theme of #InclusiveEntrepreneurship from September 15 to October 31, 2023. This program is meticulously designed to equip young entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge required to scale their businesses and amplify their social impact. Through workshops, mentorship opportunities, and networking platforms, participants will not only refine their entrepreneurial acumen but also get the chance to pitch their innovative business ideas during a compelling demo day in Jakarta.
Youth Co:Lab Indonesia is paving the way for a new generation of inclusive, innovative, and impactful entrepreneurs in Indonesia. By localizing the implementation of Youth Co:Lab, the hope is that more provinces across Indonesia will join this movement, whether through government or youth-led initiatives.
Written by: Randa Sandhita
Edited by: Muhammad Didi Hardiana
