Political Endorsement and Technology Project: The Conflicting Effects on Budiman Sudjatmiko's Career

The endorsement of Prabowo by Budiman Sudjatmiko has had conflicting effects on his political career.

On the one hand, some of his supporters viewed his endorsement of Prabowo, the opposition candidate in the Indonesian presidential election of 2024, as a betrayal. Sudjatmiko, a former member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), had a significant following among progressive electors who were dissatisfied with his decision to support Prabowo.

In contrast, Sudjatmiko's endorsement of Prabowo gained him new supporters from the opposition camp. He was regarded as an important figure in Prabowo's campaign, especially among young voters. This contributed to his increased prominence and visibility in national politics.

It is difficult to determine the long-term impact of Sudjatmiko's endorsement of Prabowo on his political career. It remains to be seen if he can maintain his support base and remain a prominent figure in Indonesian politics.

Deddy Yevri Hanteru Sitorus, a politician from the PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) party, criticized Budiman Sudjatmiko for supporting Prabowo Subianto in the 2024 presidential election rather than Ganjar Pranowo, the PDIP candidate.

Deddy accused Budiman of becoming a cosmetic expert whose job it is to improve the appearance of the candidate he supports and to erase Prabowo's record of human rights violations. Deddy reminded Budiman that PDIP has a stringent policy of adhering to DPP's decisions, and those who disobey it face severe consequences, including termination.

Does Budiman's support for Prabowo have any relation to the Silicon Valley Indonesia project?

Budiman intended to convert an 888-hectare area in Sukabumi, West Java, into a Silicon Valley-style technology and innovation hub (Bukit Algorithm). The area will be home to research institutions and businesses from a variety of disciplines, including quantum computing, biotechnology, nanotechnology, semiconductor, energy storage, and creative industries.

The objective is to establish a collaborative environment in which young Indonesians can develop their ideas and innovations while attracting both domestic and international investment. The project also seeks to contribute to the development of rural areas in Indonesia through the application of cutting-edge technology and creativity.

The estimated cost of the endeavor is approximately IDR 18 trillion. The development will concentrate on science parks, research structures for quantum technology and artificial intelligence, engineering for nano-building technology, brain research and genetic engineering, semiconductor components, computer brain fabrication, and batteries for energy storage.

It is also anticipated that Bukit Algoritma will become an economic zone. The development is funded by both domestic and international investors. Investors from the Middle East, Europe, and North America have shown interest in this endeavor. Initial funding for the initiative is anticipated to come solely from private investors, with no government support.

Budiman Sudjatmiko leads the Bukit Algorithma initiative. Kiniku Bintang Raya KSO, which is a merger of PT Kiniku Nusa Kreasi and PT Bintang Raya Loka Lestari, is initiating it. PT Amarta Karya (Persero) will be responsible for the construction.

Success Story of Silicon Valley as a Benchmark

What is Budiman Sudjatmiko's primary motivation for initiating this project? He is motivated primarily by the stories of success from Silicon Valley.

Silicon Valley is a region in California that is renowned for being the center of the technology industry, home to Apple, Google, Facebook, and many others. Silicon Valley's success is largely attributable to its founders' entrepreneurial spirit, the availability of venture capital funding, and a culture that values innovation and risk-taking.

From its inauspicious beginnings as a region of fruit orchards to its current status as the global epicenter of technology and innovation, it has undergone a dramatic transformation over the years. If Sukabumi can achieve the same success as Silicon Valley, it will be akin to a dream come true.

One of the key lessons that can be learned from Silicon Valley's success is the importance of collaboration and networking. The region's success is largely due to the close relationships between companies, entrepreneurs, investors, and academic institutions. Silicon Valley has a culture that encourages collaboration and sharing of ideas, which has led to the development of new technologies and businesses.

Another lesson that can be learned from Silicon Valley's success is the importance of risk-taking and failure. The region has a culture that values experimentation and learning from mistakes. Entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley are not afraid to take risks and try new things, even if they may fail. This mindset has led to the creation of many successful companies and technologies.

Finally, Silicon Valley's success highlights the importance of investing in education and research. The region is home to some of the world's top universities, such as Stanford and UC Berkeley, which have produced many of the entrepreneurs and innovators who have shaped the tech industry. Additionally, many of the companies in Silicon Valley invest heavily in research and development to stay at the forefront of innovation.

The Development

Since its groundbreaking in June 2021, no progress has been made on the Bukit Algorithma project in Cibadak and Cikidang, Sukabumi Regency. The village chief stated that there has been no activity at the site and no team has arrived to negotiate the continuation of the project with the local government. The initiative was anticipated to generate employment opportunities and enhance the well-being of the local populace. The local government supports the project so long as it is located within the Special Economic Zone (KEK), and local employees should be given priority based on their qualifications.

It is unclear what the precise cause is for the incomplete implementation of the Bukit Algorithm. It is believed that the initiative encountered technical challenges and financial constraints, which led to its cancellation.

Therefore, does Budiman's support for Prabowo this time have any relationship to the Bukit Algorithma project? Or, if Prabowo won the election, Bukit Algoritma would flourish like its model, the formidable Silicon Valley? Only time will tell how this story develops in the future.

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Archipelago Insight, 2023