Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) continues to promote and strengthen Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). As part of this mission, UGM, through its Directorate of Community Service, held the National Conference of 1,000 MSMEs on Tuesday (Dec. 10) at the UGM Innovation and Creativity Hub (GIK UGM).
The conference, with the theme “Blue Economy and MSME Innovation: Keys to Food Security, Energy, and Sustainable Ecosystems,” collaborated with Exporthub.id and various experts to guide national MSME players.
This event was part of the International Conference of Community Engagement and Exhibition, which showcased UGM’s community service programs, including MSME mentorship, student MSME incubation, UGM KKN-PPM exhibitions, workshops, and conferences.
Dr. Rustamaji, Director of Community Service, stated that the blue economy offers significant opportunities for MSMEs.
“We are determined to advance MSME development, particularly in the blue economy, without neglecting the green and red economies,” he said.
The program encourages MSMEs to explore marine resources for food and energy industries. Additionally, MSMEs received mentorship to enter e-commerce and export markets.
For 75 years, UGM has conducted numerous community service programs for MSMEs. Professor Deendarlianto noted that research of UGM experts from Aceh to Papua highlights the substantial potential of blue economy businesses for MSMEs.
Unfortunately, few local entrepreneurs have ventured into marine food and energy resources.
“In Indonesia’s economic structure, MSMEs employ 80% of the workforce. Therefore, it is essential to elevate MSMEs to the next level,” he explained.
One community service project in Papua focused on improving the cold chain quality of fisheries. UGM experts developed solar-powered cooling technology to preserve the quality of fish caught by coastal fishermen in Papua. As a result, fish quality improved, leading to increased demand.
“Although Indonesia is a vast maritime nation, poverty remains widespread, showing that the blue economy is underdeveloped,” he added.
Professor Deendarlianto emphasized the critical role of energy in developing blue economy businesses for MSMEs. However, Indonesia lags behind Malaysia and Singapore in energy availability and usage.
With its geographical advantages, Indonesia has enormous potential for renewable energy. MSMEs, therefore, have a role in fostering energy-related businesses.
Amalia Prabowo, President Director of Exporthub.id, supported strengthening MSMEs in the blue economy through brand storytelling.
“Currently, many brands are adopting blue economy themes and narratives, with a 10% increase this year,” Prabowo said.
This trend aligns with the growing digital MSME market in e-commerce. Amalia stressed that MSMEs must embrace e-commerce to scale up their businesses.
To support this, Exporthub.id provides special mentorship for MSMEs to transition to e-commerce with assistance from UGM-trained students.
“The main challenge for MSME entrepreneurs is often a lack of time. Therefore, we collaborate with our student trainees. First, we assess whether MSME products are marketable in e-commerce,” she explained.
The 1,000 MSME Conference is part of UGM’s 75th Anniversary and 15th Lustrum celebrations. As a university committed to education, research, and community service, UGM aims to advance the national economy by strengthening and developing MSMEs.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Donnie