Malang, (malangkota.go.id) – Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir said that the new world brings new challenges that require new 'superheroes'. Like Marvel films that present protagonists and antagonists who continue to evolve. This was conveyed in a direct dialogue between Erick Thohir and creative industry players in the game and application startups of Malang City at OURA Resto Malang, Saturday (15/1/2022).

"We have to make sure our own ecosystem wins, so we need a new superhero. The superhero is not me, but you. I hope it is born from Malang City," Erick emphasized.
Erick emphasized that building a global startup ecosystem is a big dream that Indonesia is currently living and makes other countries 'nervous'. He believes that in facing economic disruption, Indonesia must be able to create its own ecosystem.
"We must have our own ecosystem, our own roadmap, the Indonesian world, not someone else's world. Now this is an extraordinary momentum, the Indonesian economy will continue to grow until 2045. So what does that mean? The potential is extraordinary," said Erick.
This optimism is supported by various facts and potentials, such as the strengthening of the middle class economy and the increasing number of young people in Indonesia's demographic structure. Erick said that the government will continue to be present to support efforts to grow the digital creative industry. He gave examples of various support schemes developed by BUMN.
Among them are the Sembrani and Kiqani Fund initiatives as funding platforms for startups engaged in fashion, food and beverages, and beauty. In addition, there is also the Indonesia Digital Tribe scheme from PT. Telkom and Bank Mandiri which presents a digital mentorship program, hackathon, and showcase space for dozens of the best prototypes.
"Everything is developed with the hope of producing a productive young generation and not being exploited as a mere market in the eyes of the world," he continued.
The Head of the Singo Edan Startup Community (Stasion) Malang, Ziaelfikar Albaba, who was appointed as the host of this friendly activity, explained that the great potential of the game and application sub-sector can be seen from the increasing number of business actors, talents, events, and cooperation with various parties, including the Malang City Government (Pemkot) and BUMN.
"The number of startups from Station member data in Malang City has reached 118 as of January 2022 with three startup sector segments. Product and project based, product based and product based (service)," explained the man who is usually called Fikar.
Representing the aspirations of creative startup industry players in Malang City, he hopes that the spaces for development cooperation with BUMN will be more open in the future.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Malang, Drs. H. Sutiaji, welcomed the visit and attention given by the Minister of SOEs Erick Thohir to creative people in Malang City. According to him, this is a step forward for the creative industry in Malang City. Therefore, the pinning of the 2021 Creative Regency/City (KaTa) to Malang City is indeed very reasonable considering the potential it has.
"Thank you for the Minister's visit to Malang City. God willing, please support, the great potential of Malang City is ready to become more global and the Malang City Government is ready to continue to be present for creative young people," said Sutiaji when contacted in the midst of the official agenda he was attending.
Sutiaji also said that Malang City is part of a unified region known as Malang Raya. With an area of 110,06 km2, there are 62 universities in Malang City which makes this city also known as a city of education.
"The application and game sub-sector has grown since 2002, starting with the opening of departments related to information technology at several universities in Malang City," continued Sutiaji.
In addition, the global trend that was starting to move towards the digital industry made Malang City a field for the growth of ecosystems in the application and game sub-sector. In Malang City there are 92 companies, studios/startups. Some are already in product companies or in service businesses (based on service).
"More than 2.200 workforce absorption. Freelancers or freelancers or those who are already included in the team/studio/company. Then more than 4.800 bachelor's degree graduates per year, 10 universities with majors related to applications and games," he concluded. (eka/ram)