began working for an ethnic Chinese businessman who sold home furnishings. In his later years, Zulkifli once visited Lembaga Pendidikan Insani (LPI), an educational institution whose operational costs came from Islamic donations. He told students there: "If I ate eggs and could become a minister, then you who eat chicken should be able to become president." Bang (Brother) Zul, as he was known, remained close to the people of his hometown in Lampung and would present assistance in times of disaster. Business career Prior to becoming a politician, Zulkifli worked as a civil servant and then started his own businesses. His father had advised him not to be a follower but to be a leader, even if that meant starting from something small, so he quit the civil service. His older brother, Herli Hasan, says Zulkifli left the civil service because the salary was low. Zulkifli's subsequent corporate positions included: President Director of PT Batin Eka Perkasa (1988-2004), then Commissioner (2004-2005). A Jakarta-based company producing kitchen appliances under the Haneda brand-name; now run by Zulkifli's oldest daughter, Futri Zulya Savitri. President Director of PT Panamas Mitra Inti Lestari (1997-2004). A Bogor-based company selling home appliances and non-stick cookware. President Director of PT Sarana Bina Insani, Jakarta (2000-2004). A travel bureau. Commissioner of PT Hudaya Safari Utama, Jakarta (2000-2006). A haj and umroh travel bureau. Commissioner of PT Gudang Garam, Jakarta (2006-2007). Youth entrepreneurship After starting his political career, he did not abandon his entrepreneurial interests. He became a motivator for young people and the wider community, particularly in Sumatra, to develop entrepreneurship and create new jobs. He encouraged rural youths to help advance Indonesia's future economic growth. In 2012, he supported a program of the National Mandate Party (PAN) that provided venture capital and training for young entrepreneurs in North Sumatra. Early political career Zulkifli was active in the Muhammadiyah mass Muslim organization, whose members were among the founders of the National Mandate Party (PAN) in 1998. His first political forays included chairing the Regional Board of Farmers and Fishermen of Lampung Province, serving as deputy chairman of Lampung Sai Community Society, and initiating the Lampung Youth Union in Jakarta. He chaired Muhammadiyah's Institute of Agricultural Laborers and Fishermen for Jakarta from 2000 to 2005. He chaired the Logistics Department of PAN's Central Board from 2000 to 2005. He later became deputy chairman of PAN's faction in the House of