IndonesianTalk.com –– Ismeth Wibowo Congratulates Tatyana Sentani Sutara on Her Election as IWAPI Chairwoman for 2026–2031
New IWAPI leader calls for unity after unanimous election, pledging to strengthen women entrepreneurs and accelerate digital transformation toward Indonesia Emas 2045.
JAKARTA — Tatyana Sentani Sutara has been unanimously elected chairwoman of the Indonesian Women Entrepreneurs Association (IWAPI) for the 2026–2031 term, marking a new chapter for one of the country’s oldest organizations dedicated to empowering women in business.
The decision was reached during IWAPI’s 10th National Congress (Munas X), held at the Borobudur Hotel in Jakarta from Nov. 1 to 3, 2026.
The five-yearly congress carried the theme, “Strengthening the Foundation of Women’s Economic Digital Transformation through Cross-Sector Collaboration toward Golden Indonesia 2045.”
Tatyana, popularly known as Tia, succeeds Nita Yudi, who previously led the organization’s central executive board.
Her unanimous election represents more than a leadership transition. It also comes at a time when IWAPI faces the challenge of consolidating its internal ranks while preparing women entrepreneurs to navigate an increasingly competitive and technology-driven economy.
A call for unity and reconciliation
In her first message following the election, Tia emphasized the importance of restoring unity across IWAPI’s nationwide network, including among regional leaders who may have supported different candidates during the election process.
She said differences of opinion were a natural part of organizational democracy and should not become a source of division.
“Different choices are a normal part of any organization and should never become a reason for fragmentation. What matters now is putting those differences aside, standing together and rebuilding IWAPI with sincerity, goodwill and a shared commitment,” Tia said.
Her message signals an intention to lead an inclusive organization rather than represent any particular faction.
Tia stressed that the chairwoman’s mandate was not intended to accommodate the interests of one group, but to serve the entire IWAPI membership.
She also referred to a separate extraordinary national congress (Munaslub) organized by certain parties, but said she preferred not to prolong the dispute.
According to her, every organizational agenda must have a clear legal and institutional basis and comply with the association’s established rules and procedures.
“I am opening the door as widely as possible to all regional chairwomen, regardless of their previous choices. Let us join hands, strengthen one another and work together. This leadership is not for a particular group, but for the entire IWAPI family,” she said.
Tia expressed hope that Munas X would become a turning point, bringing an end to internal differences and ushering in a more united, cohesive and competitive organization.
“Different choices do not mean different goals. It is time to unite for a bigger and stronger IWAPI,” she added.
Digital transformation as a growth engine
Beyond organizational consolidation, IWAPI faces significant challenges over the next five years.
Rapid technological developments, increasingly competitive markets, digital commerce and limited access to financing are putting pressure on women entrepreneurs, particularly those operating micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to adapt and innovate.
The theme of Munas X reflects the organization’s intention to make digital transformation a key foundation for strengthening women’s economic participation.
For MSME owners, digitalization is no longer simply a matter of following business trends. E-commerce platforms, digital marketing, cashless payment systems and technology-based business management have become increasingly important to business survival and expansion.
IWAPI’s extensive network, spanning provincial, regency and municipal levels, provides a strategic platform to expand business knowledge, facilitate market access and connect women entrepreneurs with industry players and financial institutions.
The real challenge, however, will be translating the congress’s vision into tangible benefits for members across the country.
Digital transformation must result in more productive businesses, wider market reach, improved access to capital and stronger competitiveness.
Tia brings experience from several business and political organizations to her new role. In addition to leading IWAPI, she serves as deputy treasurer-general of the Democratic Party and deputy chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), overseeing women’s and children’s empowerment.
These positions could provide opportunities to build the cross-sector partnerships emphasized during the national congress.
Business community welcomes new leadership
Tia’s election has received a positive response from the business community. Among those extending their congratulations is Ismeth Wibowo, commissioner of PT Sunra Asia Pacific Hi-Tech, which oversees PT Sunra Distributor Indonesia and PT Sunra Retail Indonesia.
The companies are part of the Indonesian business ecosystem of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Jiangsu Xinri E-Vehicle Co. Ltd.
Ismeth, who says he has been friends with Tia for more than 25 years, expressed his congratulations and hopes that her leadership will help Indonesian women entrepreneurs reach greater heights.
“Congratulations to Tia on her election as IWAPI chairwoman for the 2026–2031 term. I wish her every success in carrying out this responsibility and in helping Indonesian women entrepreneurs soar to greater heights,” Ismeth said.
The grandson of national hero Ir. Djuanda said IWAPI had a strategic role to play in strengthening women’s contribution to the national economy.
He emphasized that entrepreneurship development, digital transformation and broader market access were essential to ensuring that women-led MSMEs could move beyond survival and develop into larger, more competitive businesses.
“Through entrepreneurship development, digital transformation and expanded market access, IWAPI is expected to continue encouraging MSMEs not only to move up to the next level, but also to grow into larger businesses with stronger competitiveness,” he said.
His remarks reflect broader expectations within the business community that IWAPI should become more than an association for women entrepreneurs. It should also serve as a bridge connecting MSMEs with business opportunities, investment, technology and wider domestic and international markets.
Building on IWAPI’s 51-year legacy
Tatyana takes over the leadership of an organization that has been serving women entrepreneurs for 51 years.
Since its establishment, IWAPI has sought to strengthen women’s economic independence through entrepreneurship, building a network that reaches women business owners across Indonesia, from small-scale enterprises to more established companies.
Nita Yudi, the outgoing chairwoman, previously highlighted the considerable potential of women entrepreneurs in driving economic activity across various sectors.
One notable example is that approximately 80 percent of IWAPI members’ businesses operate in the culinary sector.
The figure illustrates the substantial role women play in an industry closely connected to everyday consumer needs. It also points to opportunities for diversification into other sectors, including creative industries, technology, digital commerce, services and the green economy.
Tia’s leadership will be tested by her ability to turn this potential into a stronger and more diversified economic force.
The next five years will not simply be about maintaining the organization’s existence. IWAPI will be expected to build an ecosystem that encourages women entrepreneurs to expand their businesses, adopt new technologies, enter national supply chains and compete in global markets.
Munas X has chosen its new leader. A message of reconciliation has been delivered, while support from the business community is beginning to emerge.
The real work now begins: transforming IWAPI’s extensive organizational network into tangible economic strength.
As Indonesia moves toward its Golden Indonesia 2045 vision, empowering women is not merely an agenda of gender equality. It is also an essential part of the country’s broader strategy to expand its economic capacity, strengthen entrepreneurship and achieve sustainable national growth.
