Yunus Addresses Youth of Indonesia
Yunus Centre Press release (10February,2015):
Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus visited Jakarta at the invitation of a leading social organization named 'Synergy' to address a youth camp in the camping ground of Jakarta. This was the first time a youth camp around music and social mission was organized in Indonesia.
During his visit Professor Yunus was invited by the Vice President elect Jusuf Kalla, at his home to discuss the future policies of the new government on elimination of poverty from Indonesia. They had discussed the future of microcredit in Indonesia, introduction of Social Business, and the appropriate role of government in poverty elimination and reducing income disparity which is growing steadily in Indonesia.
Professor Yunus congratulated the newly elected President Joko Widodo, and Vice President Jusuf Kalla on behalf of the people of Bangladesh and expressed hope that both of their countries will work jointly to eliminate poverty, and unemployment, reduce income disparity, from their countries by 2030.
Vice President Jusuf Kalla appreciated the power of the concept of microcredit and social business in achieving the goal of eliminating poverty, unemployment and reducing income disparity.
Photo Caption: Nobel laureate professor Yunus meeting Vice President elect Jusuf Kalla of Indonesia, at his residence in Jakarta, on September 14. Newly elected President Joko Widodo and Vice President Kalla will take their offices on 20th of next month with a formal inauguration ceremony.
During the visit, Professor Yunus addressed meeting of social entrepreneurs, business leaders, bankers, NGO leaders, academics, women leaders to discuss the role of business in building a new society. It was moderated by 91 year old, intellectually and physically fully active Professor Subroto who served as the Secretary-General of OPEC between 1988 and 1994; and as the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources between 1978 and 1987.
Sandiaga Salahudin Uno, one of the richest men of Indonesia and founding President of Saratoga Investama Sedaya, organised a dinner in honour of Professor Yunus. During the dinner he announced his plan to create a 'Social Business fund' for Indonesia jointly with Yunus Centre. Immediate steps will be taken to bring this fund into operation, he announced. Another businessman announced at the dinner that he would launch a Microcredit program in collaboration with Yunus Centre similar to Grameen America in the USA .
Professor Yunus delivered a public lecture at the University of Paramedina. It was attended by students and faculty members of several universities. Dean of the campus, Anies Baswedan, presided over the event.
In the meeting with professor Yunus, 'Synergy' announced its decision to take the responsibility to promote and set up social businesses in Indonesia.
Professor Yunus left Indonesia on September 15.
Source: Yunus Centre
Updated Date: 4th January, 2017