The Indonesian business climate heading into 2026 feels less like a marathon and more like a Formula One circuit. What once required endurance now demands speed, precision, and strategy.
Entrepreneurs—from small businesses to major corporations—are no longer racing to sell. They are racing to be recognized.
“A good product still matters,” says GP Herry Saputro, founder of GP Talk and the visionary behind dozens of prestigious recognition programs across Asia. “But in 2026, what truly defines success is how the public perceives you. Do they trust you? Do they respect you? Do they remember your name?”
The Economy Shifts, Consumers Evolve
The government projects Indonesia’s economic growth to remain steady at around 5%. Yet, in reality, purchasing power continues to soften amid creeping inflation and rising costs of basic goods.
In this context, trust—not price—has become the decisive factor in consumer choice.
“When money is tight, people become more cautious,” Herry explains. “They don’t want to take risks. They choose brands with proven credibility—those that have received awards or appeared in trusted media. It gives them a sense of security.”
Competition Knows No Borders
If once competitors came from the next city, now they appear from across the world.
A cosmetic brand from Bandung competes directly with a Korean label on TikTok Shop.
A local restaurant in Bali faces off with a viral Thai franchise on Instagram.
And a startup from Yogyakarta can be overtaken by a Singapore-based app with a bigger marketing budget.
“Your competitor is no longer the one next door,” Herry says with a smile. “They can come from anywhere—especially from the same digital space where you advertise.”
That’s why, he insists, reputation is the ultimate weapon in 2026. Products can be copied. Trust cannot.
Promotion Is an Investment in Reputation
For GP Herry Saputro, promotion is not merely a sales activity.
“Promotion is not an expense,” he emphasizes. “It’s an investment in reputation—and reputation takes time to build.”
He outlines three pillars that every entrepreneur must master to survive and stand out in 2026:
1. Award Recognition
“One credible award can open more doors than a thousand brochures,” he says.
Awards provide social validation—tangible proof that one’s work is professionally recognized and respected.
2. Media Exposure
Appearing in credible media strengthens public perception that a brand or leader is trustworthy.
“When your name appears in the media, you’re no longer just selling a product—you’re selling credibility.”
3. Personal Authority through Writing
“A book is the pinnacle of personal branding,” Herry explains.
“It shows you’re not only a practitioner but also a thinker in your field.”
In a world flooded with instant content, a published book remains a timeless symbol of authenticity and depth.
Time for Brands to Step Forward—Not Just Survive
Herry observes that many talented entrepreneurs remain invisible simply because they hesitate to show themselves.
“They believe that a good product and solid service are enough. But the world won’t know your value unless you show up on stage.”
That “stage” can take many forms: an award event, a feature story in the media, or an inspiring biography.
Together, these elements create an ecosystem of reputation.
And in 2026, reputation will be the new currency of success.
Becoming an Icon, Not Just a Player
“If you don’t tell your brand’s story, someone else will—and it might not be the truth.”
— GP Herry Saputro
That message is both a warning and an encouragement.
Because in the end, the market trusts those who have a face, a name, and a track record.
This is why Herry urges entrepreneurs to be visible—join awards, share their journeys, speak at public forums, and build their presence with intention.
Visibility fuels credibility. Credibility sustains legacy.
2026: The Year of Recognition
As our conversation ends, Herry concludes with a thought that lingers:
“2026 is the year of recognition—the year when survival belongs not to the strongest, but to the most acknowledged. The business world no longer honors those who hide. It celebrates those who stand on stage, show their quality, and inspire others.”
And as he often closes every GP Talk session, Herry reminds us with his trademark reflection:
“Hard work delivers results. Recognition builds legacy.
Make sure you’re not only successful—but remembered.”
