UNS — Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta officially signed a collaboration with the Association for Indonesian Handicraft Exporters and Producers (ASEPHI). The signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UNS and ASEPHI was held on Tuesday (16/11/2021) in the Hall of Vocational School UNS. The signing ceremony was followed by the signing of MoU between ASEPHI and Vocational School (SV) UNS.
The offline ceremony that was held under a strict health protocol was attended directly by Vice-Rector for Planning, Partnership, Business, and Information Affairs UNS, Prof. Sajidan, and Chairman of ASEPHI, Dr. H. Muchsin Ridjan S.E., M.M., who represented both institutions. The MoU covers collaboration with several faculties in UNS, including Vocational School, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Faculty of Art and Design (FSRD), and Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP).
“As the executive board of UNS, we appreciate and thank ASEPHI for signing this collaboration agreement. This (collaboration) will strengthen the Vocational School in inviting professionals from ASEPHI as visiting lecturers in Vocational School, maybe in supervisory activities, students’ practices, final assignment, and faculty member’s research,” Prof. Sajidan stated.
The collaboration between UNS and ASEPHI will cover the implementation of Higher Education Tri Dharma in education, research, and community services. The collaboration also covers the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) Program promoted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek).
ASEPHI is a notable trading actor in Indonesia established in 1975 and has been listed as an extraordinary member by Kadin Indonesia, member of ASEAN Handicraft Promotion & Development Association (AHPADA), and National Entity Member from World Craft Council Asia Pacific Region (WC-APR). Currently, ASEPHI has 18 managing boards at the provincial level and managing boards at several districts/cities. Dr. H. Muchsin Ridjan SE., MM. M stated that currently, his association is working forward to manage the industry and ensure that Indonesian handicraft is known at national and international markets.
“It is an honor for us for today’s ceremony. We are delighted because, in the efforts in improving handicraft artisans’ honor and dignity, we are helped by Universitas Sebelas Maret,” he stated.
The Dean of Vocational School UNS, Drs. Santoso Tri Hananto, M.Acc., Ak., and Chairman of ASEPHI Solo Raya, Amin Suhudi Sutiman, also signed a collaboration that covers ten programs in SV UNS, including the Diploma Program (D3) of Visual Communication Design, Diploma Program (D3) of Applied Communication, Diploma Program (D3) of Accounting, Diploma Program (D3) of Taxation, Diploma Program (D3) of Trade Management, Diploma Program (D3) of Business Management, Diploma Program (D3) of Marketing Management, Diploma Program (D3) of Informatics Engineering, Diploma Program (D3) of English Language and Literature, and Diploma Program (D3) of Mandarin Language.
“Insya Allah, the collaboration, especially in MBKM program, will be started from industry internship, applied research followed by IPR registration as output, followed by scientific publication. Insya Allah, we will implement this collaboration soon,” Santoso stated.
This collaboration is welcomed by the Chairman of ASEPHI Solo Raya, Amin Suhudi Stuiman, who is optimistic that this collaboration could improve MSMEs quality in the future.
“Thank you to the executive board of UNS and Vocational School UNS for the opportunity to assist ASEPHI members so that we could learn to develop our business better. We hope that through this assistance, we could revive together, gain an opportunity to learn, and benefit each other. I am sure with this assistance, MSMEs could develop into SMEs,” Amin added.
UNS collaboration with Central ASEPHI will be effective for five years, while the partnership between SV UNS and ASEPHI Solo Raya will be effective for three years. However, there is a possibility of extension with agreement from both parties. Humas UNS
Reporter: Ida Fitriyah
Editor: Dwi Hastuti