Jakarta, 29 April 2025 - Bank Saqu, the digital banking service of PT Bank Jasa Jakarta owned by Astra Financial and WeLab, proudly announces the return of Solopreneur Academy 2025. This initiative reflects Bank Saqu’s #StrivingTogether (#BerjuangBersama) commitment to empowering solopreneurs in Indonesia, particularly in the creative industry so that they can thrive amid today’s dynamic economic landscape.
This year, Bank Saqu is partnering with Ideafriends, a community under Ideafest (Samara Group) known for its forward-thinking approach to creative development and trendsetting in Indonesia. The collaboration brings an upgraded curriculum, relevant mentorship, and an immersive learning experience that mirrors real industry conditions.
Solopreneur Academy 2025 is designed to connect creative industry players with experts and inspiring mentors who share insights and strategies for building sustainable businesses in a rapidly changing world.
Angela Lew Dermawan, Chief Digital Business Officer of PT Bank Jasa Jakarta, stated, "Bank Saqu is committed to supporting the growth of solopreneurs in Indonesia through sustainable programs. Following the success of Solopreneur Academy 2024, we continue to support our inaugural cohort and monitor their progress. This commitment is further strengthened in Solopreneur Academy 2025 through our strategic collaboration with Ideafriends. In the fast-evolving creative industry, we believe this program is a platform for solopreneurs to learn, connect, build resilience, and confidently move toward the future”.
This program aligns with the strategic role of Indonesia’s creative economy sector. Currently, the sector contributes approximately 8.14% to national employment, or around 1 to 2.5 million workers over the past four years, with most entrepreneurs under the age of 40. According to the National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN), the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has targeted the sector to contribute 8.37% to the national GDP within the next five years, positioning it as a potential new engine of growth for Indonesia’s economy.
Leontinus Alpha Edison, Deputy Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment in Economic Affairs, expressed his support, "Solopreneur Academy is a fantastic initiative. It expands opportunities for many to learn, grow, increase their income, and contribute to the national economy, potentially even creating new jobs. This aligns with government’s initiatives, especially the Perintis Berdaya program, which includes capacity building, mentorship, and training under the pillar of Berdaya Bersama. We see great potential for collaboration and look forward to exploring joint efforts. To all solopreneurs: embrace this journey, make the most of the mentorship and training, and seize every opportunity to keep learning and growing."
Following the success of the inaugural 2024 program, which reached nearly 300 participants in Jakarta, Bank Saqu is expanding its reach to three big cities this year: Surabaya, Bandung, and Jakarta. Unlike last year’s single-city focus, the 2025 edition aims to connect with a broader community of creative solopreneurs nationwide.
This year, Solopreneur Academy 2025 is looking for the individuals who are engaged in creative crafts and arts, content creation, and freelance. These professionals are pivotal contributors to the idea-driven economy, and they require a supportive ecosystem to foster sustainable growth and unlock their full potential.
Ben Soebiakto, Co-chair of IdeaFest, said, "We share the same vision as Bank Saqu in empowering Indonesia’s creative talent. This program is not only inspiring but also provides practical knowledge to help solopreneurs grow their businesses sustainably in today’s dynamic digital era."
Resilience and Balance: The Foundations of Sustainable Business
Behind every entrepreneurial journey are challenges that test personal resilience and balance. Solopreneur Academy 2025 is here to stand alongside solopreneurs, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to grow stronger and more sustainably. More than just business development, the program supports solopreneurs in building business resilience, cultivating mental well-being, balancing career success with personal wellness, and strengthening their financial foundation.
In a world of constant change, Solopreneur Academy 2025 invites solopreneurs to #BerjuangBersama (#StrivingTogether) building endurance and stepping confidently into a better future. This year’s program includes:
- A three big city roadshow in Surabaya, Bandung, and Jakarta
- Workshops on financial literacy, time management, and essential soft skill
- Mentorship sessions featuring curated content for selected participants, including expert-led discussions on investment and collaborative business growth
"At Bank Saqu, we aim to be more than just a financial service provider. We want to be a catalyst for the advancement of Indonesia’s solopreneurs, helping them build a more productive and sustainable financial future," Angela added
Through accessible, relevant, and empowering products and programs, such as Tabungmatic, Busposito, Undang Teman, and Saku Kredit, Bank Saqu continues to support micro-business financial management. Solopreneur Academy strengthens this mission not only through education, but also by unlocking real networking and collaboration opportunities.
The success of Solopreneur Academy 2024 is reflected in the progress made by its alumni. One of them, Fadhilah, founder of Manique.Co, shared, "The mentorship provided practical insights that enabled me to navigate and overcome various challenges. I'm excited about this year’s expanded focus on the broader creative industry and confident that the benefits will be even greater for young solopreneurs."
Solopreneur Academy 2025 will feature a lineup of seasoned mentors from various creative fields, such as Aulion, a renowned Content Creator and Creative Producer; Fakhrudin Ar Razi, Managing Director of Mahavisual, and Kemal Mochtar, a well-known Actor, Radio Announcer, and Presenter.
For more information about Solopreneur Academy 2025 and the registration process, visit https://bit.ly/SolopreneurAcademy2025. Bank Saqu and Ideafriends invite creative industry players to join the program and unlock their full potential in navigating future challenges.