Winston Utomo and William Utomo have been named the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Indonesia 2024 winners

• Winston Utomo and William Utomo have been named the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Indonesia 2024 winners for founding IDN, a prominent media and entertainment company.
  
  
• Sophia Issabella Wattimena, Chairwoman of Audit Board of the Financial Services Authority (OJK), graced the awards ceremony with her attendance as the esteemed Guest of Honor.
  
  
• Three additional category awards were presented during the Gala: Special Award for Innovation 2024, Special Award for Entrepreneurial Spirit 2024 and Special Award for Financial Entrepreneur 2024.
  
  
• EY Indonesia awarded the Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award to Alexander Tedja, Founder of Pakuwon Group, in recognition of his distinguished contributions as a prominent Indonesian entrepreneur.

JAKARTA, 13 November 2024. Winston Utomo and William Utomo have been awarded the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ (EOY) 2024 Indonesia title for founding IDN, a prominent media and entertainment company focused on transforming digital media for Indonesia’s youth. The awards ceremony took place on November 12, 2024, at The Hotel Mulia Senayan in Jakarta. As winners, they will represent Indonesia at the upcoming EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ awards in 2025, competing alongside national winners from over 60 countries in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ (EOY) is a prestigious annual program that recognizes relentless entrepreneurs who advance their ventures through innovation, significantly impacting the nation’s economy and communities. By celebrating the leadership and vision of Indonesia’s most exceptional entrepreneurs, the program fosters a culture of entrepreneurship that inspires future innovators, encouraging sustainable growth and positive change across the country. This recognition empowers entrepreneurs to pursue ambitious goals, reinforcing their vital role in shaping a prosperous economic future.

In addition to the prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year award, three category awards were presented to entrepreneurs making significant contributions to Indonesia’s economy and society. The Special Award for Innovation 2024 was awarded to Vincent Tjendra, CEO & Co-Founder of PT Astro Technologies Indonesia (ASTRO), for his transformative impact on the tech-driven economy. The Special Award for Entrepreneurial Spirit 2024 recognized Michael Soerijadji & Pandu Sjahrir, Director & Commissioner at PT Agaeti Konvergensi Investama (AC Ventures), for fostering the next generation of innovators. Eunice M. Satyono, Owner & Founder of PT Samuel Sekuritas Indonesia, received the Special Award for Financial Entrepreneur 2024 for her influential leadership in the financial sector. Additionally, Alexander Tedja, Founder & President Commissioner of PT Pakuwon Jati Tbk (Pakuwon Group), was honored with the Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his legacy in real estate. These awards highlight the critical role entrepreneurs play in driving sustainable growth and innovation in Indonesia.

Sophia Issabella Wattimena, Chairwoman of Audit Board for the Financial Services Authority (OJK), served as the Guest of Honor at the gala. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ program in recognizing outstanding entrepreneurs and fostering a culture of creativity and strategic thinking. Her presence emphasized the vital relationship between regulatory bodies and entrepreneurs, promoting an environment that encourages innovation and growth within Indonesia’s financial sector.

This year’s awards recipients were determined by the esteemed EOY Independent Panel of Judges, comprising industry leaders and experts: John A. Prasetio – President Commissioner, PT Bursa Komoditi Nusantara, Yozua Makes – CEO & Founder, PT Plataran Indonesia and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023 Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Lindawati Gani – Professor at the Department of Accounting, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Indonesia, Johannes Suriadjaja – President Director, PT Surya Semesta Nusantara, and Dr. Edwind A. Satyabrata – Managing Director, Sinarmas Group. Their collective expertise and insights were instrumental in recognizing the outstanding achievements of this year’s entrepreneurs.

Peter Surja, Country Managing Partner of EY Indonesia, emphasized the theme for this year’s EOY in his welcoming remarks at the Awards Gala: “The Art of Entrepreneurship: Celebrating the country’s visionary entrepreneurs with purpose-driven innovation and outstanding achievements.” He highlighted that the EOY program not only honors entrepreneurs for their significant contributions to economic growth but also recognizes their profound societal impact.

He further stated in his remarks:

“The EY EOY 2024 finalists represent visionary entrepreneurs who identify opportunities and drive impactful change. This evening, we celebrate 10 exceptional individuals from 8 enterprises for their remarkable contributions and achievements. Their innovation, leadership, and resilience are vital in addressing today’s challenges. By fostering a dynamic network of industry leaders, the program encourages ongoing entrepreneurial success and sparks positive change throughout Indonesia, highlighting the creativity and determination that continue to shape our future.”

IDN is revolutionizing Southeast Asia’s media and entertainment sector by focusing on the needs of Indonesia’s youth. Founded in 2014 by Winston and William Utomo, the company integrates digital media, livestreaming, entertainment, and the creator economy to deliver engaging content to millions. Their initiatives foster a thriving community of creators while promoting inclusivity and employee well-being. With a commitment to social impact, the Utomo brothers exemplify leadership that not only drives innovation but also contributes positively to society and sets a new standard in the industry.

Winston Utomo & William Utomo, upon receiving the award, stated:

“EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is an incredible program. For me entrepreneurship is the key for economic growth and the key to create lasting impact for Indonesia. So, I hope with our platform we can continue to empower more and more young people to continue and empower all dreamers out there to take a risk and give it a shot and try to make things happen and try to do something better, not only for yourself but for the society for others, and more importantly for our country, Indonesia. In the end, entrepreneurship is about creating value and making sure the world is a better place.”

Winston Utomo and William Utomo were chosen as finalists from a pool of ten finalists representing eight companies by an independent judging panel. Their selection was based on their achievements in meeting four globally recognized criteria: entrepreneurial spirit, growth, purpose, and impact. Below is a complete list of the EY Indonesia Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 finalists, sorted alphabetically by name:

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is a major business awards program that has extended to more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries globally. It is the premier designation for world-class individuals, highlighting and celebrating entrepreneurs that lead successful and creative businesses. Since its inception in 2001 in Indonesia, the program has honored over 200 Indonesian entrepreneurs for their accomplishments and services to the business industry and society. Further information on EY Indonesia EOY program is available at www.ey.com/id/eoy.

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About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ is the world’s most prestigious business awards program for unstoppable entrepreneurs. These visionary leaders deliver innovation, growth and prosperity that transform our world. The program engages entrepreneurs with insights and experiences that foster growth. It connects them with their peers to strengthen entrepreneurship around the world. EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the first and only truly global awards program of its kind. It celebrates entrepreneurs through regional and national awards programs in more than 145 cities in over 60 countries. Winners go on to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ title. ey.com/eoy