The Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia, Budi Santoso, stated that by 2045, around 70 percent of the population will consist of young people in the productive age range of 15–64.
However, only a small portion of this population is engaged in entrepreneurship. The minister noted that only a few of the 65 million MSME players manage their businesses successfully.
“Our entrepreneurship ratio remains low at just 3.3 percent, lagging behind neighboring countries,” said Minister Budi Santoso during a public lecture titled Workshop Young Future Leader on Friday (May 22) at the Fisipol UGM Auditorium.
The minister emphasized that the government will encourage the growth of entrepreneurship by collaborating with universities to inspire students to pursue entrepreneurship and to assist MSME actors through community service programs.
“We will collaborate with UGM through community service initiatives, including the Student Community Service (KKN) program, to support the digitalization of small shops,” he explained.
He further elaborated that KKN students stationed in communities will introduce the use of digital technology to support the operations of small shops and stalls.
This includes assisting in the implementation of technological solutions to optimize business processes, inventory management, and improve customer convenience.
“We hope to see improved vendor capacity and digitalization in traditional markets, as well as the identification of needs and assistance for vendors and market managers,” he said.
Secretary of the UGM Directorate of Business Development, Professor Sang Kompiang Wirawan, stated that UGM supports the enhancement of student capacity and competence by equipping them with technical and managerial skills for both individual and organizational performance.
This includes fostering communication, negotiation, teamwork across disciplines, and digital literacy.
“We aim to produce graduates who can excel professionally by adopting an entrepreneurial spirit and principles of open innovation,” he explained.
Meanwhile, John Sarjono, Regional CEO of Bank Rakyat Indonesia, shared several challenges faced by aspiring entrepreneurs when building businesses, such as experience, networking, mentality, financial literacy, and leadership.
“To be a successful entrepreneur, first, you need to invest in gaining experience. Second, build the right network; don’t choose the wrong circle. Third, develop a mentality that values the ‘process’ and embraces a ‘growth mindset.’ Lastly, leadership requires practicing discipline, consistency, professionalism, and transparency,” he said.
Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Donnie