Perindo Badung Launches GEBRAK Initiative to Foster Entrepreneurship Among Bali’s Youth Amidst Economic Shifts

In a strategic move aimed at transforming Bali’s economic landscape, Tri Tonce Yusak Wibowo, Chairman of the DPD Partai Perindo Kabupaten Badung, officially launched the Gerakan Bersama Rakyat (GEBRAK), or "Movement with the People," on Thursday, July 23, 2026. This significant initiative is designed to empower the younger generation in Bali, encouraging them to transition from being job seekers to becoming job creators, thereby solidifying the island’s economic resilience and ensuring that local communities are primary beneficiaries of its prosperity. The launch underscores a critical recognition that despite Bali boasting one of the lowest unemployment rates in Indonesia, the island still faces a formidable challenge: fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem that can diversify its economy beyond traditional sectors and provide sustainable, high-value opportunities for its burgeoning youth population.

Bali’s Economic Paradox: Low Unemployment, High Aspirations

Bali has long been celebrated globally as a premier tourist destination, with its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and spiritual allure attracting millions of visitors annually. This robust tourism sector has historically been the backbone of the island’s economy, generating substantial employment opportunities across various related industries, from hospitality and culinary arts to transportation and handicrafts. Indeed, recent data from the Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) for February 2026 recorded Bali’s open unemployment rate at a remarkably low 1.59 percent. This figure positions Bali favorably compared to many other provinces in Indonesia, reflecting the effectiveness of various government programs and the private sector’s capacity to absorb labor, particularly in the post-pandemic recovery period.

However, beneath this seemingly positive statistic lies a nuanced reality. While job availability is high, a significant portion of these roles often resides within the service industry, which can be susceptible to external shocks, as vividly demonstrated during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, many positions may not offer the career progression, income stability, or creative fulfillment that a growing number of educated and digitally-savvy young Balinese aspire to. Yusak’s vision for GEBRAK directly addresses this underlying challenge, articulating a desire for a fundamental shift in mindset. "I want young Balinese to have the courage to be bosses in their own land, not just workers. Bali needs more entrepreneurs who can create jobs for the community," Yusak stated during the launch, emphasizing the importance of local ownership and innovation.

Background Context: Shifting Sands of Bali’s Economy

Bali’s economic trajectory has always been intricately linked to its tourism appeal. For decades, the island has honed its expertise in welcoming international visitors, developing world-class resorts, spas, restaurants, and cultural experiences. This specialization, while incredibly successful, also created a degree of economic monoculture. The pandemic served as a stark, albeit painful, reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in such a model. When international travel ground to a halt, Bali’s economy experienced an unprecedented contraction, leading to widespread job losses and significant economic hardship for many families. This period catalyzed a broader discussion about economic diversification and the urgent need to empower local communities with more resilient and varied income streams.

The concept of "being a boss in one’s own land" resonates deeply with the spirit of self-reliance and community upliftment that is central to Balinese cultural values. For too long, the narrative has been that opportunities primarily lie in serving the tourism industry, often in roles dictated by external demand. GEBRAK seeks to rewrite this narrative, encouraging young Balinese to harness their creativity, cultural heritage, and increasing digital literacy to build enterprises that not only generate profit but also contribute to the island’s unique identity and sustainable development. The initiative aligns with a broader national agenda to foster a knowledge-based economy and empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as key drivers of growth and job creation across Indonesia.

Chronology and Core Pillars of GEBRAK

The launch of GEBRAK on July 23, 2026, was not an isolated event but the culmination of preparatory efforts by Partai Perindo Kabupaten Badung to understand local needs and formulate a targeted response. While specific pre-launch activities were not detailed, such initiatives typically involve community consultations, expert discussions, and internal party strategic planning sessions to define the program’s scope and objectives. The choice of Badung Regency as the initial launch point is strategic, given its status as the epicenter of Bali’s tourism and economic activity, providing a fertile ground for entrepreneurial ventures.

GEBRAK is envisioned as a multi-faceted program structured around several core pillars designed to provide comprehensive support to aspiring young entrepreneurs:

1. Mindset Transformation and Awareness Campaigns: This initial phase focuses on shifting the perception of entrepreneurship from a risky alternative to a viable and desirable career path. Workshops, motivational seminars, and public awareness campaigns will highlight successful local entrepreneurs and the benefits of self-employment.
2. Skills Development and Training: Recognizing that passion alone is insufficient, GEBRAK plans to offer practical training programs. These will cover essential business skills such as business plan development, financial literacy, marketing strategies (including digital marketing), product development, and customer service. Tailored modules for specific sectors like the creative economy, digital technology, and sustainable tourism will be a priority.
3. Mentorship and Networking: A critical component will be connecting young entrepreneurs with experienced mentors – established business owners, industry experts, and successful innovators. Regular networking events, pitch sessions, and collaborative platforms will facilitate knowledge exchange, partnership building, and access to valuable insights.
4. Access to Resources and Funding Information: While GEBRAK itself may not directly provide funding, it aims to act as a crucial bridge, guiding young entrepreneurs to available government programs, micro-finance institutions, venture capital opportunities, and crowdfunding platforms. Workshops on grant applications, loan structuring, and investment readiness will be integral.
5. Digital Empowerment and Technology Adoption: Given the pervasive influence of the digital economy, GEBRAK will emphasize digital literacy, e-commerce platforms, social media marketing, and the adoption of technology to scale businesses, reach wider markets, and operate efficiently.
6. Sustainable Business Practices: Reflecting Bali’s commitment to environmental and cultural preservation, GEBRAK will also promote sustainable and ethical business models that align with the island’s unique identity and contribute positively to its ecological and social fabric.

Following the launch, the immediate next steps for GEBRAK are expected to involve the establishment of local GEBRAK centers or contact points across Badung, the recruitment of mentors, and the scheduling of initial workshops and information sessions to engage the youth directly. The program is anticipated to roll out in phases, potentially starting with pilot projects in specific communities or sectors before expanding across the regency.

Supporting Data and Economic Analysis

Bali’s 1.59 percent open unemployment rate in February 2026, while impressive, needs to be contextualized. National unemployment figures typically hover around 5-6 percent, making Bali an outlier. However, analyses often distinguish between ‘open unemployment’ and ‘underemployment’ or ‘disguised unemployment.’ Many individuals might be working fewer hours than desired, in jobs not fully utilizing their skills, or in the informal sector with limited social protection. For young graduates, the challenge isn’t always finding any job, but finding a meaningful job that offers growth potential and fair compensation.

The sectors identified by Yusak – tourism, trade, services, creative economy, and digital technology – represent the fertile ground for entrepreneurial growth in Bali.

• Creative Economy: Bali already has a strong foundation in arts, crafts, fashion, and design. Empowering young people to commercialize these talents through modern business practices, e-commerce, and intellectual property protection can unlock significant value. This sector contributes approximately 7.5% to Indonesia’s GDP and is a significant employer, particularly of youth.
• Digital Technology: With increasing internet penetration (over 70% nationally) and smartphone usage, opportunities abound in app development, digital marketing agencies, e-commerce solutions, content creation, and IT support. Bali’s appeal to digital nomads also presents unique opportunities for local tech startups.
• Sustainable Tourism and Agri-tourism: Beyond traditional tourism, there’s growing demand for eco-friendly tourism, cultural immersion experiences, and farm-to-table culinary ventures, which can be developed by local entrepreneurs to offer unique, authentic Balinese experiences.
• Trade and Services: Local businesses supplying goods and services to the vast tourism industry, or catering to the local population, can be modernized and scaled through entrepreneurial innovation.

MSMEs are the lifeblood of the Indonesian economy, accounting for over 97% of all businesses and employing a substantial majority of the workforce. However, many MSMEs face challenges related to access to capital, market access, technological adoption, and managerial expertise. GEBRAK’s focus on skill development and resource linkage aims to directly address these gaps, fostering MSMEs that are not only numerous but also robust and competitive. Investment in entrepreneurial training has a high multiplier effect, as each successful startup can potentially create multiple jobs, contributing significantly to local economies.

Official Responses and Inferred Statements

The launch of GEBRAK is likely to be met with broad support from various stakeholders, reflecting a shared understanding of Bali’s developmental needs.

• Badung Regency and Bali Provincial Government: Government officials would likely welcome GEBRAK as a complementary initiative to their existing economic development programs. They might issue statements praising the private sector and political parties for their contributions to youth empowerment and economic diversification. The Provincial Government of Bali, for instance, has its own long-term vision for "Bali Era Baru" (New Era Bali) which emphasizes sustainable development, cultural preservation, and economic resilience, all of which align with GEBRAK’s objectives. Cooperation between GEBRAK and government agencies could unlock synergies in terms of resource allocation and program outreach.
• Economic Experts and Academics: Leading economists and academics specializing in regional development would likely endorse the initiative’s core premise. They might highlight the importance of not just low unemployment rates but also the quality of employment and the need for innovation-driven growth. Experts might also emphasize the importance of a holistic approach, including access to affordable finance, a supportive regulatory environment, and continuous skill upgrading, for the long-term success of such programs. They might also caution that fostering an entrepreneurial culture requires sustained effort over many years, beyond initial training programs.
• Youth Representatives and Community Leaders: Young people in Bali, particularly those grappling with career choices post-education, would likely view GEBRAK with a mix of hope and expectation. Youth organizations and student bodies might express enthusiasm for the practical training and mentorship opportunities, while also urging for transparency and equitable access to the program for all segments of the youth population. Community leaders would likely support the initiative for its potential to create local job opportunities and empower local talent, fostering community pride and reducing reliance on external employers.
• Partai Perindo National Leadership: The national leadership of Partai Perindo would undoubtedly endorse GEBRAK as an embodiment of the party’s broader commitment to empowering MSMEs, promoting youth entrepreneurship, and driving economic growth at the grassroots level. Such local initiatives demonstrate the party’s relevance and responsiveness to community needs, aligning with its populist and pro-people platform. They might highlight GEBRAK as a model that could be replicated in other regions facing similar challenges.

Broader Impact and Implications

The successful implementation of GEBRAK holds significant broader implications for Bali’s future:

1. Economic Diversification and Resilience: By fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs, GEBRAK can significantly contribute to diversifying Bali’s economy, reducing its over-reliance on traditional mass tourism. A vibrant ecosystem of local businesses in creative industries, technology, sustainable agriculture, and niche services will make the island’s economy more resilient to future shocks.
2. Social Empowerment and Reduced Inequality: Empowering young Balinese to create their own ventures fosters a sense of ownership, pride, and self-determination. This can help reduce economic disparities, prevent brain drain (where talented youth leave the island for perceived better opportunities elsewhere), and ensure that the benefits of Bali’s economic success are more equitably distributed among its local population.
3. Cultural Preservation and Innovation: Entrepreneurship, particularly in the creative economy, can become a powerful tool for preserving and promoting Balinese culture while also innovating within traditional forms. Young entrepreneurs can find new ways to market Balinese art, textiles, culinary traditions, and spiritual practices to a global audience, ensuring their relevance in the modern era.
4. Enhanced Local Ecosystem: A thriving entrepreneurial scene can stimulate demand for local support services, fostering a dynamic business ecosystem. This includes local suppliers, marketing agencies, legal and accounting services, and technology providers, creating a virtuous cycle of economic activity.
5. Political and Social Capital: For Partai Perindo, GEBRAK represents a substantial investment in community development, potentially enhancing its political capital and public image. By addressing a tangible need and offering concrete solutions, the party strengthens its connection with the electorate, particularly among the youth and aspiring business owners. This proactive approach could position Perindo as a significant player in Bali’s socio-economic development.
6. Sustainability and Responsible Growth: By integrating principles of sustainability into entrepreneurial training, GEBRAK can encourage the creation of businesses that are environmentally conscious and socially responsible, aligning with global trends towards green economies and ethical consumption.

In conclusion, the launch of Gerakan Bersama Rakyat (GEBRAK) by Tri Tonce Yusak Wibowo and Partai Perindo Kabupaten Badung marks a pivotal moment in Bali’s ongoing journey towards sustainable and inclusive prosperity. Beyond the impressive unemployment statistics, the initiative courageously addresses the deeper challenge of empowering local youth to become architects of their own economic destiny. By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, providing essential skills, facilitating access to resources, and leveraging the island’s unique cultural and digital strengths, GEBRAK aims to transform Bali into a hub of innovation and local enterprise. Its success will not only redefine the career paths available to young Balinese but also contribute significantly to the island’s long-term economic resilience, cultural vibrancy, and social equity, ensuring that Bali’s future is truly built by and for its own people.