From Highways to the People’s Path: The Story of Henky Eko and an Economy That Empowers
A Movement Born from Courage
Gerakan Mandiri Bangsa believes that true change begins from the ground up — from people who dare to take their own steps without waiting for orders. Among the many inspiring stories, one name stands out as a living symbol of that spirit: Henky Eko Sriyantono, affectionately known as Cak Eko.
He is more than a culinary entrepreneur.
He is a symbol of courage, persistence, and integrity in building an economy that works for the people.
His story is not about luxury, but about conviction — that failure is not the end, but a vital part of the journey toward independence.
Ten Failures, but Never Defeated
Cak Eko failed ten times in business.
He once sold secondhand cell phones, planted giant ginger, traded leather bags, sold Muslim clothing, and even tried his hand at handicrafts.
Every single one of those ventures collapsed — yet he never gave up.
He married in simplicity, using wedding gifts to buy a mattress and basic household items.
But from that very limitation, his determination grew stronger.
He kept searching for opportunities, experimenting with new ideas, and learning humbly from failure.
For him, failure was never a reason to stop — it was fuel to go further.
“When life pushes you to the ground,” he once said, “it only means you’ve found a place to push yourself higher.”
From Concrete to Meatballs: Finding His Way Back to the People
A graduate of Civil Engineering at ITS Surabaya, Eko once helped build Indonesia’s major infrastructure — including the Cipularang Toll Road with PT Hutama Karya and PT Jasa Marga.
His career was stable, yet something felt missing.
He realized that physical development means little if it does not reach the kitchen tables of ordinary people.
So he changed direction — quite literally.
He stepped into the kitchen and began experimenting with recipes for Malang-style meatballs.
After three months of trials, he perfected a special blend and launched a small venture called Bakso Malang Kota “Cak Eko.”
What started as a humble food stall grew beyond expectations.
In just three years, he built 106 outlets across 28 cities in Indonesia — three owned personally, the rest operated by franchise partners.
Bakso Malang Cak Eko became more than a food business.
It turned into a movement — creating jobs, spreading courage, and igniting the flame of grassroots economic independence.
Lessons from a Winding Road
What makes Cak Eko truly different is that he never regrets failure.
Each business collapse taught him something new.
From selling phones, he learned the value of innovation.
From the leather bag business, he learned about cash flow and integrity.
From the failed ginger farm, he learned patience and risk management.
From fashion and handicrafts, he realized that perseverance is worth more than capital.
Every setback strengthened his foundation.
He never relied on luck — only on the grit to keep moving until he found the right path.
Igniting Independence, Empowering the People’s Economy
Today, as Head of MSMEs, Cooperatives, and Creative Economy at the Gema Bangsa Party, Cak Eko continues to spread the spirit of independence across Indonesia.
He works directly with local communities — training housewives, retirees, students, and workers who wish to start their own small businesses.
He also founded KIOCHA (Charity Marketplace), a digital platform that combines entrepreneurship with social empathy.
Beyond that, he writes books, lectures at top universities, and mentors thousands of MSME owners nationwide.
All of it is driven by one mission:
to ensure that the people become masters of their own economy.
Independence Is a Revolution That Begins Within
For Cak Eko, independence is not a slogan — it’s an action.
A strong nation is not built by grand projects, but by empowered citizens.
“If you want to be rich, start a business.
But if you want to make others rich, teach them how to start one.”
— Henky Eko Sriyantono
That sentence isn’t just motivation — it’s his life’s compass.
He wants to light small candles in every corner of the nation so that the light of self-reliance keeps shining brighter.
Awards and Achievements
Founder of Bakso Malang Kota Cak Eko (2005)
Founder of Bakmi Jawa Jogja Mbah Tarmo (2009)
Mandiri Young Entrepreneur Award (2008)
Bisnis Indonesia Young Entrepreneur Award (2008)
The Best in Business Prospect Indonesia Franchise (2008)
Indonesian Innovative Creative Award (2007)
Small & Medium Business Entrepreneur Award – Ministry of Cooperatives & SMEs (2007)
From the Kitchen, He Changed the Direction of a Nation
Cak Eko’s journey reminds us that the road to change doesn’t have to be grand or glamorous.
Sometimes, it begins in a small kitchen, with a bowl of meatballs, and the courage to try again after countless failures.
He is more than a successful entrepreneur — he is a living reflection of the Gerakan Mandiri Bangsa:
moving from the bottom, refusing to give up, and believing that a nation becomes strong only when its people are empowered.
From highways to the people’s path, from concrete to meatballs, from profession to purpose —
Henky Eko Sriyantono has proven that independence is the most human form of revolution.
