Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has reinforced its commitment to supporting innovation and the creative industry with the official opening of ‘UGM Shop’ on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at UGM’s Innovation and Creativity Hub (GIK UGM).
UGM Shop aims to connect and promote synergy between the creative and academic worlds by introducing innovative products with sustainable value to the broader public.
In her opening speech, UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia emphasized that UGM Shop is a tangible effort to build a sustainable innovation ecosystem and open collaboration opportunities among students, alumni, and creative industry players.
“UGM Shop is not just a place for economic transactions, but also a space for knowledge sharing, creative discussions, and driving innovation rooted in culture and technology,” said Rector Emilia.
The Chief Executive Officer of GIK UGM, Dr. Alfatika Aunuriella Dini, expressed her gratitude to all parties involved in establishing the UGM Shop and hoped for the growth of local businesses to reach a global market.
“Hopefully, this is the start of advancing local products, not just from students and faculty but also for local brands to go global,” she said.
Ana Nur Fauziah, Chairperson of UGM’s Student Cooperative (Kopma UGM), highlighted that Kopma UGM can be a valuable platform for students, local brands, young entrepreneurs, and the wider community.
“With this soft launch, we hope to increase awareness and support for local businesses, individuals with disabilities, and local brands,” she stated.
Following the UGM Shop inauguration, there was a brief tour and a collaboration talk show titled ‘GIK Welcomes: Creative & Innovation with KOPMA UGM x Dagadu x Starcross x Sebatik’ with the theme ‘Local Brands Industry with Global Demands.’
In this session, speakers shared insights on how local brands can thrive and compete globally.
Zayati Zaini, CEO of Sebatik Shoes, shared her experience of starting a business from a hobby.
She emphasized the importance of creating products that bring joy not only to oneself but also to others.
Furthermore, she mentioned the need to stay updated with societal trends and maintain strict quality control.
Interestingly, she found that her products are more popular internationally than domestically, as many people in Indonesia still prefer foreign brands.
She stressed the importance of making batik products comfortable, stylish, and modern while preserving local culture.
“Our products are just as good as international ones. Let’s start by supporting local products ourselves,” Zaini urged.
Haqqi, a representative from Dagadu, highlighted the importance of products representing culture.
Dagadu consistently adapts to the times by expanding perspectives on Yogyakarta, moving beyond its traditional landmarks.
Anugerah Nirwan, Head of Digital Marketing at Starcross, explained how the company stays trendy by using music as a primary source of inspiration.
They have leveraged online media to market their products, particularly during the pandemic.
Starcross blends pop culture—such as art, music, and extreme sports—with its products. It hosts music events in historic locations like Prambanan and Kridosono to introduce local culture.
Ana Nur Fauziah from Kopma UGM shared that since the pandemic, Kopma has expanded into online marketplaces and developed delivery services.
They continue to innovate and collaborate while maintaining their identity as UGM students.
“We never forget our roots as Gadjah Mada students,” she concluded.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang
Photographer: Firsto