Indonesian vice president-elect Jusuf Kalla discussed with Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus the future of microcredit in Indonesia, introduction of Social Business, and the appropriate role of government in poverty elimination and reducing growing income disparity.
Congratulating the newly elected President Joko Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Professor Yunus expressed the hope that both of their countries will work jointly to eliminate poverty, unemployment, and reduce income disparity, from their countries by 2030, said a release issued by Yunus Centre Tuesday.
Professor 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 on music and social mission was organized in Indonesia.
During his visit Professor Yunus was invited by the Vice President elect Jusuf Kalla, to discuss the future policies of the new government on elimination of poverty from Indonesia.
Vice President Jusuf Kalla appreciated the concept of microcredit and social business in achieving the goal of eliminating poverty, unemployment and reducing income disparity.
During the visit, Professor Yunus addressed a meeting of social entrepreneurs, business leaders, bankers, NGO leaders, academics, women leaders on 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, 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 programme 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.
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