According to data from the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises), SMEs in Indonesia accounted for 56.7 percent of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). SMEs have also provided jobs to around 79 million workers in the country. However, the number of SMEs in Indonesia is only 0.18 percent of the total population, lower than the standard in the developed countries that have reached 2% of the total population.

One of the obstacles encountered by entrepreneurs is the equity gap, a condition that occurs when personal funds are no longer able to meet the needs of the business. On the other hand, the businesses have yet to have collateral or sufficient credit history to obtain fund from other institutions or investors.

Seeing a huge potential in the entrepreneurship sector, Putera Sampoerna Foundation took the initiative to set up a network of entrepreneurial named as Mekar, which is an initiative focuses on job creation and entrepreneurship development in support of the local businesses. Mekar provide physical and online facilities enabling entrepreneurs and angel investors to meet and build networks in order to develop their business. Angel investors are successful entrepreneurs who can help the establishment of new businesses through the provision of capital. In addition to financial assistance, angel investors also help entrepreneurs by way of sharing their experiences and knowledge so that they can face the market challenges in the future.

Mekar also provides training and consulting programs for new entrepreneurs in order to assist them in developing their business plans. One of the activities of Mekar is a monthly seminar on angel investing where entrepreneurs can present their business ideas to angel investors directly.

In addition, Mekar also has a comprehensive program aim at identifying, matching, and connecting Indonesian potential entrepreneurs with angel investors so that they can create a successful and sustainable business.

The development of entrepreneurial potential in the country is not just the responsibilities of government or Putera Sampoerna Foundation, but it is the responsibility of all stakeholders, including the private sectors and individuals. No doubt, with a huge amount of Indonesian resources, entrepreneurship can be one of the activators for the national economy if developed appropriately. Entrepreneurship allows new business to grow and eventually, will become the source of jobs for the millions of Indonesian society.

The difficulties for start-up entrepreneurs in obtaining the capital should have become our concern. Together we can realize their business dreams and support them to become actors of successful businesses who are ready to face the challenges of the global market.