Airlangga Encourages Muhammadiyah University Of Sidoarjo To Print Quality Digital Talented Human Resources And New Entrepreneurs

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto (Photo: Documentation of the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy)

JAKARTA - Indonesia's economic growth is on a positive path. This can be seen from various social indicators and improved economic recovery programs as well as a decrease in poverty, unemployment, and inequality levels that had risen at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This recovery momentum has been utilized by the Government, one of which is by improving the quality of the young generation's human resources so that they are digitally talented and entrepreneurial.

Ending a series of working visits in East Java Province, Thursday, January 13, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto gave a public lecture at Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo with the title "The Role of Young Entrepreneurs in Accelerating Economic Recovery".

“The government encourages business incubations that are built with a digital ecosystem. I hope that business incubation will continue and I hope that our entrepreneurship can increase to 5 percent in the not too distant future,” said Coordinating Minister Airlangga in his statement, Friday, January 14.

The government has committed to continue working with all stakeholders, including the academic community, in developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem. In Government Regulation Number 7 of 2021 concerning Ease, Protection, and Empowerment of KUMKM, it is emphasized the important role of incubator institutions in encouraging entrepreneurial development and growth.

"I also hope that Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo can contribute to being a new business incubator so that it can help produce quality new entrepreneurs," continued Coordinating Minister Airlangga.

In terms of financing, the Government also encourages entrepreneurs through People's Business Credit (KUR) with a segmentation that has been divided into super micro, micro, and small KUR which can be utilized by students who want to build their business from an early age. Throughout 2021, KUR financing was recorded to have been distributed in the amount of Rp. 280.17 T and was given to 7.38 million debtors. In 2022, KUR financing has been increased to Rp373.17 T.

“The government strongly supports entrepreneurship which is realized through various business incubations. For this reason, students are expected to be able to take advantage of this in line with the acceleration of improving the quality of human resources with digital talent," said Coordinating Minister Airlangga.

On this occasion, Coordinating Minister Airlangga appreciated the use of the Muhammadiyah Hospital for the Development of People's Welfare (PKU Hospital), which has more than 100 hospitals spread throughout Indonesia in helping to increase the effectiveness of early detection, treatment, and preventive measures for handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rector of Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo Dr. Hidayatullah M.Si on the same occasion expressed his hope to be able to build a medical faculty within the Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo.

"I also appreciate the participation of 171 Muhammadiyah universities, both Muhammadiyah and Aisyah, as a form of community service during the pandemic," said Coordinating Minister Airlangga.

Also present on the occasion were the Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives Lodewijk Freidrich Paulus, Chairman of Commission XI of the Indonesian House of Representatives Dito Ganinduto, Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives Adies Kadir, Deputy Governor of East Java Emil Elestianto Dardak, Member of the Indonesian Parliament Sarmuji, Chairman PP Muhammadiyah Syafiq Mughni, Deputy for Macroeconomics and Finance Coordination Iskandar Simorangkir, Deputy for Coordination of Digital Economy, Employment, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Mohammad Rudy Salahuddin, Deputy for Food and Agribusiness Coordination Musdhalifah Machmud, and all levels of Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo .