Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Programma Uitzending Managers (PUM) Netherlands have agreed to renew their collaboration in developing entrepreneurship training programs, empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and supporting the growth of the national industry.
This was discussed during PUM Indonesia Coordinator Gerard Wolbert’s visit to the UGM campus on Friday (May 3). Professor Indra Wijaya Kusuma, the Head of the UGM University Quality Assurance and Reputation Unit (SPMRU UGM), and Professor Puji Astuti, Director of Partnerships and Global Relations at UGM, received the visit.
PUM Netherlands is a non-governmental organization focused on micro-business development based in the Netherlands. The organization has partnered with MSMEs worldwide, including with UGM. The collaboration between the two institutions has been ongoing since 2019, driven by a shared vision and objectives.
Professor Puji Astuti stated that UGM plays a role in advancing the industrial sector and developing MSMEs in the country. Several faculties have contributed to industrial progress by producing skilled graduates who can enter the workforce directly.
She mentioned that the UGM Vocational College (SV UGM) has provided learning and training directly related to professional fields, ensuring SV graduates have competencies aligned with industry needs.
“We know that the current industrial issue lies in bridging the gap between industry and academia. The employment issue is not due to a lack of job opportunities but rather because what the industry needs is not being produced by academic institutions,” Professor Puji Astuti said.
Gerard Wolbert emphasized the crucial role of universities in advancing industries and empowering the MSME sector to become stronger. He sees significant opportunities in Indonesia due to its abundant natural and human resources.
However, he noted various challenges in dealing with differences in economic systems between Indonesia and the Netherlands.
“I have observed many policy differences between what is applied in the Netherlands and Indonesia. This presents a specific challenge, and I hope this partnership can formulate the right formula moving forward,” Wolbert stated.
Through the collaboration between UGM and PUM Netherlands, various international practitioners will be brought in to enhance the development and incubation of the MSME sector, vocational programs, and entrepreneurship.
“UGM currently has incubation programs for MSMEs. Training and practitioners from PUM Netherlands will support these programs,” said Yuyun Yunastuti Daud, who represents PUM Indonesia.
These international practitioners will mentor UGM’s programs with specific formulas. According to Daud, collaboration between these institutions is key to generating innovative solutions for managing employment opportunities amid the demographic bonus, thereby realizing Golden Indonesia 2045.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto