EduAsiaNews, Surakarta — Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta hosted the launch of the Campuspreneur Program: Development of Export-Oriented Young Entrepreneurs, initiated by the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemendag). The event also featured the signing of several strategic cooperation documents between the Ministry and various universities across Indonesia.
The program launch took place on Thursday (April 2, 2026) at the G.P.H. Haryo Mataram Auditorium, UNS, and was attended in person by the Indonesian Minister of Trade, Dr. Budi Santoso, M.Si., along with rectors and university leaders participating both offline and online. Notable in-person attendees included the Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Prof. Harun Joko Prayitno; Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan; Vice Rector of Institut Teknologi Kalimantan, Erma Suryani; Rector of Universitas Diponegoro, Prof. Suharnomo; and representatives from Universitas Gadjah Mada, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Universitas Telkom, and Universitas Udayana.
Other universities joined online, including IPB University, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Universitas Lampung, Universitas Pelita Harapan, Universitas Esa Unggul, Universitas Balikpapan, Universitas Hasanuddin, Universitas Pattimura, and Universitas Cenderawasih.
In his remarks, UNS Rector Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si., expressed appreciation for being entrusted as the host of this strategic initiative. The Campuspreneur Program is seen as a visionary step to strengthen Indonesia’s position in global trade, particularly through the development of campus-based young entrepreneurs.
“Students should no longer be prepared solely as job seekers but must become job creators, even young exporters capable of bringing Indonesian products to international markets,” Prof. Hartono emphasized.
The program is particularly relevant given the significant contribution of the export sector to national economic growth, including foreign exchange earnings, job creation, and enhancing the competitiveness of domestic products. In the face of increasingly complex global challenges, innovation and collaboration are key.
The event also included the signing of several agreements, covering a joint agreement on the implementation of the Tridharma of Higher Education in trade, a cooperation agreement on developing export-oriented young entrepreneurs, and a Letter of Intent with the modern retail sector.
UNS highlighted that this collaboration aligns with the university’s strategic policy under the DREAMTEAM initiative, particularly the value of “Active” in building productive partnerships with government, industry, and society. Through the Campus Impact concept, UNS is committed not only to academic excellence but also to providing tangible contributions to national development.
Looking ahead, the collaboration is expected to go beyond formal agreements and be implemented in measurable and sustainable ways. Anticipated outcomes include the emergence of export-oriented student startups, globally competitive research-based products, and a robust, internationally oriented campus entrepreneurship ecosystem.
UNS is optimistic that through close synergy between Kemendag and universities, Indonesia will produce more resilient, innovative young entrepreneurs ready to compete in global markets.
Indonesian Minister of Trade, Dr. Budi Santoso, M.Si., stated that collaboration with universities will foster young entrepreneurs among students, ensuring that graduates are not only prepared to work but also able to create jobs through their own enterprises, both as exporters and domestic business operators.
“Currently, many students have begun starting businesses, which is encouraging as it demonstrates the extraordinary potential and talent of our youth in business. Moving forward, this potential will continue to be developed, including through mentorship, market access, and connections to domestic and international markets,” Dr. Budi Santoso said.
The program will also be strengthened through various trainings, business matching, and collaboration with Indonesian trade representatives abroad, such as Trade Attachés and the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC). This ensures that students are equipped not only to run businesses but also to access export markets.
“We thank UNS and all universities that have joined the Campuspreneur Program. We hope this initiative motivates students to become resilient and competitive entrepreneurs,” he added.
As a reference, Indonesia’s current entrepreneurship ratio stands at around 3.29%, still lagging behind countries like Malaysia at approximately 8%, and developed countries at 10–12%. Therefore, strengthening student entrepreneurship is a key strategy to increase this ratio.
“Through this program, we aim to help students identify business opportunities, optimize their existing potential, and connect them with various market opportunities. These steps are expected to significantly increase the national contribution of entrepreneurship,” concluded Dr. Budi Santoso.
HUMAS UNS
