In the world of startups, Gibran Rakabuming Raka is no stranger. Before focusing on the world of politics and serving as the Mayor of Solo, the eldest son of President Joko Widodo once founded two startups in the culinary sector.

Both companies founded by Gibran along with Kaesang Pangarep managed to gather billions of Indonesian rupiahs in funding.

Gibran and Kaesang, alongside Chef Arnold, are the pioneers behind these two culinary startups, namely Mangkokku and Goola.

In the middle of last year, Mangkokku, a multi-brand culinary startup, announced a Series A funding of US$7 million or approximately Rp101 billion. This funding was led by Alpha JWC Ventures and EMTEK, with participation from Cakra Ventures.

Mangkokku had previously received initial funding in 2020 from Alpha JWC Ventures. Since then, the company claimed to have grown sixfold in terms of sales and doubled the number of its outlets.

The company manages 50 outlets in the Jabodetabek area, Surabaya, Bandung, Malang, and Solo. In the coming months, Mangkokku also plans to open more flagship restaurants and expand its cloud kitchen to new areas and cities.

Although the company is focused on offline expansion this year, online delivery still accounts for the majority of Mangkokku's sales.

To enhance the shopping experience and customer engagement, Mangkokku will soon launch its own mobile application in the third quarter of 2022. This app will feature ordering and self-pickup services, loyalty programs, and various special promotions. Additionally, Mangkokku aims to open its 100th outlet this year and plans to open 100 more next year.

Goola, another startup founded by Gibran and Kaesang along with Kevin Susanto and Benz Budiman, also received an investment from a venture capital firm.

Once again, Alpha JWC Ventures became the main investor by injecting US$5 million, or approximately Rp71 billion.

Alpha JWC Ventures had previously invested in a native Indonesian beverage business, Kopi Kenangan, with an investment of around US$8 million.

According to Kevin, one of Goola's founders, "At that time, a lot of people were interested, and everyone immediately realized that authentic Indonesian beverages were also very appealing. Then someone introduced, 'Hey, Goola is expanding, is Alpha JWC interested?' Eventually, a meeting was arranged, and after about a week and a half, everything was finalized."

Goola, which focuses on selling authentic Indonesian beverages in fast-food packaging, was founded in 2018. Shortly after its establishment, Goola had opened five outlets in Jakarta. However, the growth of Goola was somewhat hindered by the pandemic.

Millennial startup credit

The pair of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka revealed their commitment as presidential and vice-presidential candidates during the declaration of their candidacy for the 2024 presidential election held at the Indonesia Arena, GBK, Jakarta, on Wednesday (10/25/2023).

In his speech, Gibran addressed various issues that are part of the commitments of the candidate pair from the Koalisi Indonesia Maju (KIM) party.

One of these commitments is a special program to support startups seeking business capital. Gibran emphasized the importance of supporting businesses built by the millennial generation in Indonesia.

"Millennial startup credit. This is for innovation and technology-based millennial businesses," he stated.

In addition, he also announced a child health card program. This card will complement the existing public health facilities, namely the Kartu Indonesia Sehat (KIS).

Not only that, Gibran also plans to issue a KIS Lansia (Elderly Health Card) to support the health of the elderly.

"The child health card is used to prevent stunting," Gibran said.

Gibran also expressed their determination to implement a pesantren (Islamic boarding school) endowment fund program. This program is part of the main programs they will promote in the 2024 presidential election.

The pesantren endowment fund is mandated by Law No. 18 of 2019 concerning Pesantren and Presidential Regulation No. 82 of 2021 concerning the Funding of Pesantren Implementation.

Gibran revealed that they will launch this flagship program, the pesantren endowment fund.

"The pesantren endowment fund is a legal mandate," Gibran emphasized.