EY Indonesia Launches Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2026 to Honor The Shapers whose Entrepreneurship Mastery Impact the Future 

• EY Indonesia launches the Entrepreneur Of The Year™ (EOY) 2026 program, marking its  24^th year of celebrating entrepreneurs who are shaping the future through leadership, performance and impact.
• This year’s theme, ‘The Shapers: Entrepreneurs Who Turn Ambition into Mastery’, spotlights leaders who turn bold ideas into skillful execution and long-term value.
• Nominations are free of charge and open until 31 July 2026 via online.

JAKARTA, 5 May 2026. In an era of rapid global change, entrepreneurs serve as the cornerstone of Indonesia’s economic development. These innovators are vital for the country’s economy, demonstrating the ability to turn hurdles into opportunities, pivoting strategically when facing headwinds, and working relentlessly with unwavering determination throughout their entrepreneurial journey. They play a key role in ensuring sustainable economic growth and societal progress.

Marking its 24^th year of running EOY events, EY Indonesia is proud to launch the Entrepreneur Of The Year™ (EOY) 2026 program, which recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate exceptional leadership, sustained performance and lasting impact in shaping Indonesia’s future. ‘The Shapers: Entrepreneurs Who Turn Ambition into Mastery’, highlights leaders who realize their bold ambition with discipline, operational excellence and continuous improvement. These entrepreneurs not only pursue growth, but also refine their craft, strengthen business fundamentals and deliver high-value outcomes.

Peter Surja, EY Indonesia Country Managing Partner, says:

"For decades, the Indonesian businesses have been the bedrock of the country’s economic progress and development. As Indonesia pursues economic resilience and builds a more prosperous and stable future shielded from global volatility, the country needs more brilliant entrepreneurs and businesses that are built to endure, able to scale with confidence, and ready  to compete globally. They are leaders whose success is shaped by clear purpose, discipline, innovative mindset, and commitment to excellence. This year’s theme, The Shapers: Entrepreneurs Who Turn Ambition into Mastery, recognizes leaders who find opportunity in uncertainty, translate ambition into action, and build businesses that create lasting positive impact for communities and the nation. Through the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program, we aim to celebrate and support these entrepreneurs and encourage more leaders to raise the bar for entrepreneurial excellence and help shape a stronger, more confident future.”

In the country, entrepreneurs remain a driving force behind innovation, job creation, and long-term prosperity, strengthening ecosystems, empowering communities, and inspiring future generations of business leaders.

Program Details: EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2026 Indonesia Program

As nominations for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ (EOY) Indonesia 2026 program are now open, we invite innovative and ambitious leaders who are not only building businesses but also shaping Indonesia’s future to join. Eligible nominees are founders, CEOs, major shareholders or individuals with direct responsibility for their company’s successful operation and performance. Their companies must have operated in Indonesia for at least 3 years and be able to provide 3 years audited financial statements.

The program spans three months and includes on-site company visits, one-on-one interviews with the judging panel, and culminates with the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Awards Gala later this year. An independent panel of judges will assess nominees against four globally benchmarked criteria: Entrepreneurial Spirit, Purpose, Growth, and Impact. The panel comprises the 2025 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Indonesia winner alongside respected business and academic leaders. Those who most strongly demonstrate these criteria will be named this year’s Country and Category winners.

The Indonesia Entrepreneur Of The Year country winner will go on to represent the country at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2027 in Monte Carlo, Monaco, where leading entrepreneurs from around the world are celebrated on a global stage. This year, the 2025 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Indonesia winner, Charles Richard Oentomo, will represent Indonesia as he competes for the global title, while also having the opportunity to engage, exchange ideas, and build a global network with fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders in Monaco.

Charles Richard Oentomo, President Director of PT Centrepark Citra Corpora, shared his views on the program:

“The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program is a very good initiative because there are so many young entrepreneurs who haven’t yet been recognized, and they can see special recognitions like this as inspiration.”

Play an important role in this journey by recognizing and supporting those who are raising the standard of leadership and execution in Indonesia. If you, or an entrepreneur you know, is turning bold ideas into tangible results and helping shape Indonesia’s future, we invite you to submit a nomination and be part of the 2026 cohort. Nominations are free of charge and can be submitted via EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Indonesia by 31 July 2026. 

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Notes to editors:

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This news release has been issued by PT Ernst & Young Indonesia, a member of the global EY organization.

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