I recently visited Jakarta, Indonesia as part of the GIST (Global Innovation through Science and Technology) Initiative Startup Bootcamp Program.  The Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) initiative was established in 2010, with funding from the U.S. Department of State, to spur economic advancement through science and technology-based innovation in countries across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia.

I gave the keynote address to a Leadership Forum organized by the famous Indonesian entrepreneur Dr. Ciputra, whose advocacy for increased support for entrepreneurship in Indonesia has galvanized leaders in government, industry and academia.   Upon my return I commented on the opportunities in Indonesia in a column at Xconomy.com.    As mentioned in my column, Indonesia is a large (240M+ people - 3,000 miles wide) country with a young population (median age 27 vs 37 in the U.S.) seeking opportunity.   Stay tuned to see what Entrepreneurship can do to empower people and ideas.