TEMPO.CO, Surabaya - Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini said that the Surabaya regional government administration is committed to turning the city into a digital startup center in Indonesia. Risma announced a plan to hold a conference and technical training with a number of technology and business experts from Silicon Valley, San Francisco, US.
"Several CEOs, such as those from Google, Intel, Facebook and Instagram will come to Surabaya," Risma told journalists at her office in Surabaya on Wednesday, February 22, 2017.
A dozen of CEOs from leading technology companies and information technology experts are scheduled to share their experience to young generations in August.
The startup business conference, Risma explained, is a follow up of his visit to the United States in mid-February. On February 11-17, 2017, Risma, along with academicians from the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS), visited several campuses and leading tech companies, such as GSV Lab, Google, Facebook, Instagram, Intel, Berkeley University, and Stanford University.
Risma expressed her wish to motivate young generations to start their businesses during the conference in August. The Surabaya administration has gained supports from world's largest social media, Facebook, to initiate a program that will empower citizens through the use of social network.
ITS rector Joni Hermana expressed his appreciation to Risma's initiative.
"Risma invited us to accompany her [during the visit to the US] and be partners when we get back to Indonesia," Joni said.
Joni believes that Surabaya will become the next Silicon Valley in Indonesia.
"This is a great opportunity because the government will involve academicians, business owners, and public, particularly young generations in Surabaya," Joni said.
ARTIKA RACHMI FARMITA