On June 4, 2024, the 38th Petrokimia Gresik Innovation Convention (KIPG) was successfully held in Gresik, East Java. This prestigious event celebrated innovation and creativity within Petrokimia Gresik, an agro-industry solutions company under the Pupuk Indonesia holding. One of the main speakers at the event was Herry Wijaya, CEO of BANANA & Partners, who shared valuable experiences and insights about innovation.

During the opening of the “Innovation Award,” Petrokimia Gresik’s President Director, Dwi Satriyo Annurogo, announced that the company managed to create added value or value creation of IDR 381.1 billion in 2024. This figure shows a 37 percent increase compared to the previous year, which was IDR 277.9 billion. Dwi Satriyo emphasized that this increase is an indicator of the improving quality of innovation at Petrokimia Gresik, supported by the growing involvement of employees in innovation.

“This increase in value creation is an indicator that the quality of innovation at Petrokimia Gresik is improving. It is also supported by the higher involvement of employees in innovation. This is proof that innovation can make Petrokimia Gresik more competitive,” said Dwi Satriyo.

In the event, Herry Wijaya shared his journey of innovation through BANANA & Partners. He shared his experience of starting from scratch after being laid off from a mining company in 2013, and starting innovation with his own capital until he achieved various awards and significant income.

“I was laid off from a mining company in 2013 and started innovation from the ground up with my own capital until today, achieving various awards and income,” said Herry Wijaya. He also emphasized that the most challenging phase of innovation is turning it into a feasible commercial product.

Herry also gave an inspiring message to the younger generation, especially Gen Z, to continue seizing available opportunities and developing amidst competition not only among humans but also with artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR).

“The most challenging phase of innovation is turning it into a feasible commercial product,” continued Herry Wijaya.

“Gen Z is not only faced with competition among humans but also with AI and AR created by humans themselves. Use the available platforms to keep growing,” Herry Wijaya advised at the end of the talk show.

The talk show was moderated by Septi Diajeng and enlivened by performances from local Gresik talents and the music group Klantink, which added to the festive atmosphere.

This year’s Petrokimia Gresik Innovation Convention was attended by 1,943 innovation clusters, a 22 percent increase from the previous year’s 1,599 clusters. Among them, 20 of the best innovation clusters competed in this year’s KIPG. Employee involvement in innovation also reached 95 percent, up from 91 percent the previous year, demonstrating the high spirit and commitment of all Petrokimia Gresik’s human resources in supporting the company’s competitiveness.

This event was not only a competition but also a platform to share experiences and inspiration from innovators like Herry Wijaya, who have successfully faced challenges and created added value through innovation.

Thanks to the organizers and Petrokimia Gresik for hosting this inspiring and festive event.