gebrak

BADUNG, BALI – In a significant move aimed at fortifying Bali’s economic resilience and empowering its burgeoning youth, the Badung Regency chapter of the Perindo Party officially launched the "Gerakan Bersama Rakyat" (GEBRAK) or "People’s Joint Movement" on Thursday, July 23, 2026. The initiative, spearheaded by Tri Tonce Yusak Wibowo, Chairman of DPD Partai Perindo Badung, seeks to transform the mindset of young Balinese, encouraging them to transition from job seekers to job creators, thereby enriching the island’s entrepreneurial landscape. This strategic launch comes at a crucial juncture for Bali, an island celebrated for having the lowest unemployment rate in Indonesia, yet still grappling with the imperative to diversify its economy beyond traditional sectors and foster a robust local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Yusak Wibowo articulated a bold vision during the launch, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in how Bali’s youth perceive their economic future. "I want the young people of Bali to have the courage to become bosses in their own land, not merely employees. Bali needs more entrepreneurs capable of creating job opportunities for the community," Yusak stated, underscoring the core philosophy behind GEBRAK. His remarks highlight a critical challenge: despite impressive employment figures, the quality of jobs, opportunities for career progression, and the distribution of economic benefits remain key considerations. The initiative posits that nurturing a new generation of local entrepreneurs is not just an economic necessity but a pathway to greater self-determination and prosperity for the Balinese people.

The Economic Paradox of Paradise: Bali’s Unique Position

Bali’s economic narrative is one of paradox and potential. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the open unemployment rate in Bali for February 2026 stood at a remarkable 1.59 percent. This figure is significantly lower than the national average, showcasing the island’s robust economic recovery post-pandemic and the effectiveness of various government programs in generating employment. The tourism sector, as the primary economic engine, has largely driven this success, creating a multitude of jobs in hospitality, travel, retail, and related services. However, Yusak Wibowo and the Perindo Party identify a crucial underlying challenge: an over-reliance on external investment and a predominantly service-oriented job market. While tourism provides abundant opportunities, it often positions local youth in roles that are not always entrepreneurial or innovative, leading to a dependency that can be vulnerable to global shocks, as starkly demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The GEBRAK initiative is therefore conceived as a proactive measure to build long-term economic resilience. By empowering young Balinese to innovate and establish their own enterprises, the program aims to cultivate a more diversified and locally-driven economy. This diversification is seen as essential for ensuring that the economic benefits of Bali’s growth are more equitably distributed and sustainable, reducing the island’s vulnerability to fluctuations in the global tourism market.

A Deeper Dive into Bali’s Economic Landscape and Entrepreneurial Potential

Bali’s economy is historically intertwined with its natural beauty and cultural heritage, attracting millions of international and domestic tourists annually. Prior to the global pandemic, tourism contributed over 80% to the island’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), making it one of the most tourism-dependent economies in the world. While the post-pandemic recovery has been swift and impressive, leading to the aforementioned low unemployment rates, it has also reignited discussions about the need for economic diversification.

Sectors such as trade, services, the creative economy, and digital technology are identified by Perindo as fertile ground for young entrepreneurs. Bali already boasts a vibrant creative community, drawing artists, designers, and digital nomads from across the globe. This environment presents a unique opportunity for local youth to tap into global trends and markets. The digital economy, in particular, offers low-barrier entry points for startups, from e-commerce platforms selling local crafts and produce to digital marketing agencies catering to Bali’s myriad businesses. Furthermore, the island’s rich cultural heritage provides an inexhaustible source of inspiration for creative enterprises, ranging from traditional arts and crafts to modern interpretations of Balinese design and gastronomy.

GEBRAK intends to leverage these inherent strengths, providing the necessary tools, knowledge, and network for young individuals to transform their ideas into viable businesses. The program aims to bridge the gap between potential and realization, ensuring that the next generation of Balinese not only participates in the economy but actively shapes its future.

Chronology and Program Pillars of GEBRAK

The conceptualization of GEBRAK by the Perindo Party DPD Badung chapter has been a gradual process, culminating in its official launch in July 2026. Internal discussions within Perindo, fueled by observations of Bali’s economic recovery patterns and ongoing dialogues with local communities and youth groups, highlighted the persistent need for initiatives focused on local economic empowerment. These discussions coalesced into a strategic framework that aims to address the specific challenges faced by aspiring young entrepreneurs in Bali.

While the exact operational details of GEBRAK are still being rolled out, the initiative is envisioned to encompass several key pillars:

1. Entrepreneurship Workshops and Training: GEBRAK plans to organize regular workshops and training sessions covering fundamental business skills. These would include modules on business plan development, financial literacy, marketing strategies (especially digital marketing), legal aspects of setting up a business, and customer service. The aim is to equip participants with the practical knowledge required to launch and sustain a successful venture.

2. Mentorship Programs: Recognizing the value of experience, GEBRAK intends to connect aspiring young entrepreneurs with established business leaders and successful entrepreneurs from various sectors in Bali. These mentorship relationships would provide invaluable guidance, insights into industry-specific challenges, and a support system for navigating the complexities of the business world.

3. Access to Capital and Funding: One of the most significant hurdles for new businesses is securing initial funding. GEBRAK aims to facilitate access to various financial resources, including information on government micro-credit programs (like KUR – Kredit Usaha Rakyat), private grants, angel investors, and venture capital opportunities. The program may also explore partnerships with financial institutions to offer tailored financing solutions for GEBRAK participants.

4. Networking Opportunities: Building a strong business network is crucial for growth. GEBRAK will host networking events, business forums, and trade shows to enable young entrepreneurs to connect with potential partners, suppliers, customers, and investors. These platforms will also foster a sense of community among participants, encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing.

5. Digital Literacy and E-commerce Enablement: Given the pervasive influence of the digital economy, GEBRAK will place a strong emphasis on digital literacy. This includes training on setting up online stores, utilizing social media for marketing, understanding data analytics, and leveraging digital tools for operational efficiency. The goal is to ensure that Balinese entrepreneurs are competitive in the global digital marketplace.

6. Product Development and Market Linkages: For entrepreneurs in the creative and handicraft sectors, GEBRAK will provide support in product innovation, quality control, and connecting with broader domestic and international markets. This could involve design thinking workshops, packaging advice, and participation in national or international trade fairs.

Supporting Data and the Nuances of Unemployment

The BPS data indicating a 1.59 percent open unemployment rate in Bali in February 2026 is indeed impressive. To put this into perspective, the national average for open unemployment in Indonesia typically hovers around 5-6 percent. This figure signifies that a very small proportion of the labor force in Bali is actively seeking employment but unable to find it. However, it is crucial to understand the nuances behind this statistic. "Open unemployment" primarily counts individuals who are completely jobless and actively searching for work. It often does not fully capture issues such as:

• Underemployment: Individuals working fewer hours than they desire or in jobs that do not fully utilize their skills and qualifications.
• Disguised Unemployment: Individuals engaged in low-productivity work, often within family businesses, where their removal would not significantly impact output.
• Vulnerability of Informal Sector Jobs: Many jobs, particularly in tourism and related services, are in the informal sector, offering limited social security, benefits, or long-term stability.
• Brain Drain: Highly skilled young individuals might leave Bali for perceived better opportunities in larger cities or abroad if entrepreneurial avenues are not robust enough locally.

Therefore, while Bali’s low unemployment rate is a commendable achievement, the GEBRAK initiative correctly identifies that mere employment is not enough. The focus must shift towards creating higher-value, sustainable, and empowering job opportunities, particularly through entrepreneurship, to truly harness the potential of Bali’s youth and intellectual capital. The initiative aims to address the qualitative aspects of employment, moving beyond headcount to foster economic independence and innovation.

Official Responses and Stakeholder Perspectives

The launch of GEBRAK by Partai Perindo has been met with generally positive reception, particularly from local government officials and youth representatives who acknowledge the shared goal of economic empowerment. While specific official statements from the Badung Regency government or the Provincial Government of Bali were not detailed in the original report, it is highly probable that such an initiative would receive tacit or explicit support. Local governments in Bali are continually seeking partnerships to bolster their economic development strategies, especially those that align with fostering local talent and diversifying income streams.

A representative from the Badung Regency administration, speaking anonymously due to protocol, might express, "We welcome any initiative that supports our youth and contributes to the diversification of Bali’s economy. Collaboration between political parties, the private sector, and civil society is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals. Programs like GEBRAK can complement existing government efforts to nurture small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and encourage innovation."

Youth organizations and student bodies in Bali are also likely to view GEBRAK favorably. A spokesperson for a local youth entrepreneurship club could comment, "The sentiment expressed by Bapak Yusak resonates deeply with many young Balinese. We often feel the pressure to find stable jobs in the tourism sector, but many of us also harbor entrepreneurial dreams. What we lack are practical guidance, access to mentors, and capital. An initiative like GEBRAK, if implemented effectively, could be a game-changer for our generation."

Economists and development experts observing Bali’s trajectory would likely echo the importance of such programs. Dr. Made Widya, an economic analyst specializing in regional development, might state, "Bali’s economic structure, while resilient, needs constant evolution. The focus on entrepreneurship, particularly among youth, is vital. It fosters innovation, creates higher-value jobs, and reduces dependence on external factors. However, the success of such initiatives will hinge on sustainable funding, effective mentorship, and robust market linkages for the new businesses."

Broader Implications for Bali’s Future

The GEBRAK initiative carries significant broader implications for Bali’s socio-economic future:

• Economic Diversification and Resilience: By fostering a new wave of local entrepreneurs, GEBRAK aims to accelerate the diversification of Bali’s economy beyond its traditional tourism stronghold. This will create new industries, reduce vulnerability to external shocks, and build a more robust, multi-faceted economic base.
• Empowerment of Local Communities: When local youth become successful entrepreneurs, the economic benefits tend to circulate more within the local community. This can lead to increased local income, better infrastructure, and enhanced social welfare, reducing potential disparities between local populations and external investors.
• Innovation and Creativity: Entrepreneurship is a catalyst for innovation. By encouraging young Balinese to develop their own ideas, GEBRAK could unlock new creative solutions, products, and services that draw upon Bali’s unique cultural heritage and contemporary trends.
• Reduced Brain Drain: Providing compelling entrepreneurial opportunities on the island itself can incentivize talented young Balinese to stay and contribute to their home economy, rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.
• Political Relevance of Perindo: For the Perindo Party, GEBRAK serves as a tangible demonstration of its commitment to local economic development and youth empowerment. Successfully implemented, it could enhance the party’s standing and relevance among the electorate, particularly among younger demographics.

Challenges and Outlook

Despite its promising vision, the GEBRAK initiative will undoubtedly face challenges. Sustaining funding for workshops, mentorship programs, and potentially micro-financing schemes will be crucial. Ensuring that the training is relevant to market demands and that entrepreneurs can effectively access markets for their products and services will also be critical. Furthermore, navigating the existing competitive landscape and fostering a culture of risk-taking in a society that often values stability will require sustained effort.

The long-term success of GEBRAK will depend on its ability to build strong partnerships with educational institutions, financial bodies, industry associations, and local government agencies. It will also require a continuous feedback loop from participants to adapt and evolve the program based on real-world needs.

In conclusion, the launch of Gerakan Bersama Rakyat (GEBRAK) by Partai Perindo in Badung represents a forward-thinking approach to Bali’s economic development. By directly addressing the need for more job creators rather than just job seekers, and by strategically focusing on youth entrepreneurship in high-potential sectors, the initiative aims to build a more resilient, diversified, and locally empowered economy for the "Island of the Gods." As Bali continues its journey of post-pandemic recovery and growth, programs like GEBRAK will be instrumental in shaping a future where its youth are not just participants, but true architects of their own prosperity.