APINDO Meets with MPR Speaker: Discusses Business Challenges and Collaboration on National Pillars Education
Tuesday, 08 July 2025
Jakarta, July 8, 2025 — The National Leadership Council of the Indonesian Employers’ Association (APINDO) held a strategic audience with the Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR RI), Ahmad Muzani, at the Nusantara III Building, Jakarta, on Tuesday (July 8). The meeting served as a key forum to discuss pressing issues faced by the business sector, labor market dynamics, and opportunities for collaboration between businesses and parliament in promoting national awareness through the Four Pillars of Nationality education program of the MPR RI.
The APINDO delegation was led by Chairwoman Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, accompanied by top national board members: Vice Chairmen Sanny Iskandar, Eddy Hussy, and Franky Sibarani; Head of Inter-Institutional Relations Sarman Simanjorang; Deputy Chair Parlindungan Purba; and board members Tedja Soemantri and Benyamin Sudarmadi.
In her remarks, Shinta emphasized APINDO’s role as a strategic partner of the government in fostering a conducive business climate, attracting investment, and ensuring sustainable economic development. “APINDO has existed for 73 years since the days of PUSPI, and now carries the spirit of Indonesia Incorporated. We see ourselves as shareholders of this nation, bearing a great responsibility,” she stated.
She also highlighted fundamental challenges facing the business sector, such as declining labor absorption due to the shift from labor-intensive to capital-intensive industries, and the disruptive impact of digitalization. “These realities underscore the urgency to revise labor-related regulations, including the Job Creation Law (UU Cipta Kerja), which APINDO continues to monitor closely,” she added.
Vice Chairman Franky Sibarani reported that more than 52% of industries have implemented workforce reductions, while 62% of businesses are delaying investment decisions due to regulatory uncertainty and high costs. “We hope APINDO can be more actively involved in shaping national economic policy,” he noted.
Sanny Iskandar addressed the issue of slow and non-integrated licensing processes, which have created uncertainty for businesses. He also warned that unemployed workers pose potential social risks. Echoing this concern, Sarman Simanjorang emphasized the importance of involving the private sector in the national dissemination of the Four Pillars of Nationality.
MPR RI Speaker Ahmad Muzani welcomed APINDO’s input, expressing appreciation for the private sector’s commitment to national development. “APINDO occupies a very strategic position in strengthening the nation. Amid global and domestic challenges, the consistency and resilience of the business community are critical,” he said.
As Indonesia approaches its 80th anniversary of independence, the MPR Speaker stressed the need to improve economic quality, education, and public health, while reminding attendees that true national defense lies in the strength of the people. “What APINDO is doing is a noble duty—ensuring the sustainability of business, the economy, and the workforce. Never lose hope,” Muzani asserted.
This meeting marked the beginning of a collaborative initiative between MPR RI and APINDO to deliver nationwide socialization programs of the Four Pillars to the business community. The effort aims to deepen national insight among entrepreneurs and reinforce shared commitments toward a strong, advanced, and competitive Indonesia.
