Through Presidential Regulation Number 2 of 2022, Indonesia has set a target of one million entrepreneurs by 2024. Based on this target, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology has launched the Merdeka Entrepreneurship (WMK) program.
This was announced by the UGM Directorate of Student Affairs, accompanied by the Chair of 2023 WMK at UGM, Dr. Hempri Suyatna, on Friday (14/7) through a live Instagram broadcast. Titled “Be Innovative Entrepreneur,” the WMK aims to channel the creativity of young people into sustainable business ventures.
“The objective of this program is to encourage an entrepreneurial spirit among students. The hope is to accelerate job creation and improve workforce absorption. Previously, it might not have been recognized, but in this program, it can be converted into 20 credits, so there is recognition,” said Dr. Suyatna.
The WMK program is designed with various activities conducted outside the classroom to sharpen entrepreneurial skills, encourage increased entrepreneurial experiences, and enhance students’ work capabilities. This year, UGM provides 400 quotas for students to participate in the program.
“As per the central government’s policy, 60% will be allocated to UGM students. The remaining 40% will be given to students outside UGM, on Java island, and from the 3T (frontier, outermost, underdeveloped) regions,” he explained.
This policy aims to promote equal access to the entrepreneurship development program. WMK participants will be mentored for one semester through three stages: Pre-Immersion, Immersion, and Post-Immersion.
The first stage, Pre-Immersion, includes mentoring to ignite motivation and an entrepreneurial spirit in students for approximately four weeks. In the Immersion stage, students will delve into concrete steps of designing a business for about ten weeks. In the Post-Immersion stage, students will be mentored for on-field practice in establishing their business.
“We are also collaborating with over 30 partners so that students receive mentoring based on real cases,” he said.
These partners consist of businesses, start-ups, and several units within UGM. To convert the program into 20 credits, students must obtain permission from the relevant study program.
Registration for this program was open from June 23 to July 10, 2023, and will be conducted from August to December 2023. The chair hopes that this program can provide opportunities for students to learn and contribute to supporting employment provision in the future.
Author: Tasya