People often criticize Gen Z as lazy, spoiled, and undisciplined. This perception aligns with the term “Strawberry Generation,” which is popular in several Asian countries. People describe the term as referring to a generation that appears attractive and intelligent but is perceived as fragile under pressure.

Lia Dwi Lestari, Head of the Research Division at Censor and a Sociology student, explained the study’s focus. She mentioned that it explores how older generations view Gen Z in academic and everyday settings.

“We also aim to understand how media influences the stereotypes attached to Gen Z. A deeper understanding of this issue is crucial,” Lia stated.

Research Methodology

The study, led by Aubry Fairuza Akifa Prabowo, an International Relations student, used a qualitative approach. The team conducted in-depth interviews with various individuals at FISIP UNS. This included security personnel, parking attendants, canteen staff, cleaning staff, academics, and administrative staff.

Findings and Insights

Preliminary findings reveal a noticeable generational gap in understanding Gen Z. Informants from the Baby Boomer, Generation X, and Millennial cohorts generally viewed Gen Z as individualistic. They also saw Gen Z as overly reliant on technology. They also felt Gen Z lacked a strong work ethic compared to previous generations. The “Strawberry Generation” stereotype suggests that Gen Z avoids challenges and pressure, particularly in academic and professional settings.

Some academics noted that Gen Z demands more flexibility in both learning and working environments. Current systems may not always accommodate these demands. Gen Z’s preference for a fast-paced, instant lifestyle often reinforces these stereotypes. Informants also highlighted the generation’s high consumption patterns and focus on short-term satisfaction.

Positive Aspects of Gen Z

However, not all perspectives were negative. Rino Ardhian Nugroho, S.Sos., M.T.I., Ph.D., Vice Dean for Student Affairs and Alumni at FISIP UNS, emphasized that Gen Z has many strengths.

“Gen Z is courageous, enjoys challenges, and strongly upholds personal values. Despite generational differences, they adapt quickly and excel in various fields,” he said.

Communication Challenges and Solutions

In addition to character traits, they highlighted differences in communication styles. Gen Z often uses slang and abbreviations in daily conversations, which can challenge intergenerational communication. Some parking attendants at FISIP UNS noted that Gen Z’s manners and communication ethics need improvement. However, all informants agreed that cross-generational collaboration remains possible. Gen Z’s digital literacy skills make them valuable assets in both academic and professional environments.

Upcoming Seminar on Gen Z Stereotypes

As a follow-up to the study, Censor will host the Censorfest 10.0 Seminar on Saturday (26/4/2025). The seminar, themed ‘Stereotype Smashers: How Gen Z Confronts Stereotypes of the Strawberry Generation,’ will present research findings. It will also foster intergenerational dialogue. The event aims to promote constructive conversations and create an inclusive academic environment.

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Distinguished Attendees and Speakers

The seminar welcomed notable figures, including the Indonesian Minister of Trade, Dr. Budi Santoso, M.Si. The Director-General of National Export Development, Fajarini Puntodewi, S.H., M.Si. was also present. There was also the Rector of UNS, Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si. Then, the Dean of FISIP UNS, Dr. Didik Gunawan Suharto, S.Sos., M.Si., participated. Additionally, vice deans and lecturers of FISIP UNS attended the event.

The seminar featured two expert trainers. They were Rosyid Nukha, S.Sos., M.Si., CEO of Prospect Riset Madani, and Lukman Fahmi, S.IP., M.Si., Entrepreneurship Lecturer at UNS.

Empowering Students for Global Business

The seminar carried the theme “Together with the Minister of Trade: Towards Export-Oriented Students.” It aimed to enhance students’ understanding of MSME potential in the international market. It also sought to motivate them to actively participate in the global business ecosystem.

University Appreciation and Goals

Prof. Hartono expressed his gratitude for the presence of Dr. Budi, an esteemed alumnus of FISIP UNS. He emphasized the importance of this collaboration in encouraging students to embrace global trade opportunities.

“An essential goal of this seminar is to help students comprehend the potential of MSMEs in the global market. As the backbone of Indonesia’s economy, MSMEs face challenges such as product quality, market access, and export strategies,” Prof. Hartono stated.

Collaborative Efforts and Key Activities

Dr. Didik emphasized that this initiative was part of a broader collaboration. It involved FISIP UNS and the Directorate General of National Export Development. The partnership focuses on three core activities:

1. National Seminar and Bootcamp
2. Sustainable Business Model Competition
3. MSME Export Mentoring Program

“This seminar serves as the kickoff event for the MSME export program. It aims to inspire students to create sustainable business ideas and gain insights into international market expansion strategies,” Dr. Didik explained.

Insights from the Ministry of Trade

Dr. Budi announced upcoming entrepreneurship training programs to assist MSMEs in penetrating global markets. He expressed hope that UNS would produce future entrepreneurs ready to excel in the export industry.

Fajarini Puntodewi emphasized the significance of exports for Indonesia’s economic growth, job creation, and global positioning. She outlined strategies for achieving an 8% economic growth rate by 2029. These strategies included product development, fostering export entrepreneurs, and expanding market reach.

“Students can contribute to boosting Indonesian exports by promoting MSMEs on social media and joining export training programs. They can also start export-oriented businesses and innovate in product marketing strategies,” Fajarini explained.

Business Insights from the Experts

Rosyid Nukha focused on the concept of Sustainability Business, which creates long-term value by considering economic, social, and environmental factors. The benefits include:

• Increased production efficiency
• Environmental protection
• Enhanced brand awareness
• Improved employee satisfaction
• Greater social responsibility

“Sustainability Business revolves around three pillars: environment, social, and governance. This includes eco-friendly materials, energy-saving practices, worker welfare, and business ethics,” Rosyid elaborated.

Lukman Fahmi discussed the importance of a well-structured business proposal. He explained that a business proposal outlines strategies to achieve business goals efficiently. It also serves as a tool for evaluation and monitoring. With the valuable insights shared during this event, FISIP UNS aims to produce future entrepreneurs. These future entrepreneurs will actively compete in the global export market.

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Dr. Budi arrived at FISIP UNS and received a warm welcome from the Dean of FISIP UNS, Dr. Didik Gunawan Suharto, and the vice deans. He planted a tree as part of the ceremony. He also launched the FISIP Alumni Association Office (Kafisip). Lastly, he delivered an Inspirational Talk during a national seminar.

Tree Planting Ceremony

Dr. Budi began his visit by planting an agarwood tree (Aquilaria malaccensis) in front of the M. Sartono Building. Assisted by the student nature conservation group, MAHAFISIPPA, Dr. Budi demonstrated his commitment to environmental sustainability. This activity also strengthened his bond with his alma mater.

Launching of Kafisip

After planting the tree, Dr. Budi inaugurated the FISIP Alumni Association Office (Kafisip). The FISIP Alumni Association placed the office on the second floor of the M. Sartono Building. The ceremony included a signing session and a ribbon-cutting event. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between the faculty and its alumni, offering opportunities for internships, certifications, and scholarships.

“The launching of Kafisip is a strategic step to build a strong network between the alma mater and its alumni. Through this platform, we hope to create more targeted programs and support the career development of FISIP graduates,” Dr. Didik said.

Inspirational Talk and National Seminar

Dr. Budi concluded his visit by delivering an Inspirational Talk at the national seminar organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade. Addressing hundreds of students, he emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation in boosting Indonesia’s economic growth.

“I am thrilled to return to my beloved campus and be part of this special occasion. The Ministry of Trade and FISIP UNS are working together to bridge academic knowledge and professional practice. This collaboration is truly remarkable,” Dr. Budi stated in an interview with uns.ac.id. With this visit, Dr. Budi strengthened the alumni bond. He also inspired the younger generation to pursue excellence and contribute to the nation’s development.

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The public discussion took place on Thursday (27/2/2025) at Hotel Syariah Solo. Dra. Endah Setyowati, M.Si., M.A., from Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW), also spoke at the event.

Strengthening National Awareness Among Youth

The theme was “Campaign on National Insight, Unity in Diversity, Tolerance, and Pluralism for the Young Generation in Welcoming Golden Indonesia 2045.” It aimed to strengthen nationalism and unity among Indonesian youth while emphasizing their role in achieving Golden Indonesia 2045.

Eka Indonesia Movement, under the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri), organized the discussion with support from the Ford Foundation. The event gathered students, community organizations, private sector representatives, government officials, and academics. These diverse stakeholders explored solutions to national challenges, especially those related to the demographic dividend and youth development.

Addressing National Resilience Challenges

The discussion stemmed from concerns about the declining understanding of national insight among young people. A 2018 survey by LSI found that only 6,2% of students could correctly answer questions on national insight. The National Resilience Index dropped from 2,89 in 2023 to 2,87 in 2024. This decline highlights weaknesses in social and cultural aspects that require urgent attention.

Eka Indonesia Movement emphasized the importance of strengthening national awareness. This step is crucial for enhancing resilience and achieving Golden Indonesia 2045.

“The younger generation plays a strategic role in shaping Indonesia’s future. It is time for us to enhance national awareness collectively,” Dr. Akhmad stated.

The discussion emphasized the need for unity and solidarity in navigating social, political, and cultural dynamics. These aspects are crucial for building a resilient, sovereign, and just Indonesia.

“Young people must embrace the values of tolerance, pluralism, and the spirit of Unity in Diversity. These values are essential in facing globalization challenges and preserving national integrity,” Prof. Winny remarked.

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Strengthening Digital Competence at FISIP UNS

The seminar featured prominent university officials. Among them was Dr. Didik Gunawan Suharto, S.Sos., M.Si., Dean of FISIP UNS. Other speakers included Prof. Ir. Ary Setyawan, M.Sc., Ph.D., Director of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Directorate. Another included was Dr. Dwi Prasetyani, S.E., M.Si., Director of the Alumni and Student Entrepreneurship Directorate. Then Ibrahim Fatwa Wijaya, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., Director of the Planning, Cooperation, Internationalization, and Reputation Directorate, was also present. Faculty members, study program heads, lecturers, educational staff, and students participated in the event.

Dr. Didik officially opened the seminar, emphasizing the importance of digital skills for maintaining an engaging online presence.

“I appreciate the enthusiasm of our students in attending this event. This seminar provides valuable insights and practical knowledge to enhance FISIP’s website and social media. By actively managing these platforms, students strengthen UNS’s global reputation,” he stated.

The Role of Digital Transformation in Higher Education

Dr. Dwi Prasetyani highlighted the significance of strong alumni relationships in supporting institutional development. Meanwhile, Prof. Ary Setyawan discussed the ICT Directorate’s role in advancing UNS’s digital strategy.

“Our programs aim to make UNS’s digital governance more adaptive, transparent, and technology-driven. Key initiatives include IT audits, web governance guidelines, blueprint formulation, single data integration, and risk management planning,” Prof. Ary explained.

Ibrahim Fatwa Wijaya emphasized UNS’s efforts to improve digital visibility. He recommended integrating backlinks in faculty and study program news articles to enhance search rankings. He also noted UNS’s consistent placement among Indonesia’s top seven universities. Additionally, he highlighted its recognition as the best university in Indonesia by AppliedHE.

Insights from Industry Experts: Website and Social Media Optimization

The seminar featured four distinguished alumni as speakers: Harman Dahsyat, Fajar Anjungroso, Jarod Dwi Harto, and Wildan Hakim.

• Harman Dahsyat (Public Administration, Class of 1997) – a professional at PT Astra International, discussed omnichannel strategies for boosting university rankings and academic branding. He emphasized how integrating multiple digital platforms enhances engagement.
• Fajar Anjungroso (Public Administration, Class of 1995) – a specialist at PT Konten Emiten Indonesia, provided insights on SEO analysis and website audits. He underscored the importance of a well-structured website for branding, marketing, and communication.
• Jarod Dwi Harto (Communication Science, Class of 1994) – a manager at GS Battery, highlighted best practices in website management. He stressed the need for regular updates, SEO optimization, and multimedia integration to enhance user experience.
• Wildan Hakim (Communication Science, Class of 1996) – a professional at Universitas Al Azhar Indonesia, focused on content strategy. He emphasized, “Content is king, but consistency is queen,” advocating for continuous updates and audience engagement to foster two-way communication. He also highlighted the importance of publishing SEO-friendly content to improve search visibility.

The seminar provided valuable insights into website and social media management, equipping participants with practical digital skills. Through collaboration between FISIP UNS and its alumni, the faculty aims to strengthen its online presence and global reputation. The event highlighted the growing importance of digital transformation in higher education and the role of alumni in supporting these initiatives.

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Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Alumni, Prof. Ir. Doddy Ariawan, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., reported that this period’s KKN includes four schemes. 260 students are participating in the Java Partnership Scheme, 231 in the Non-Java Partnership Scheme, 458 in the Faculty Partner Scheme, and 670 in the Thematic-Regular Scheme.

The KKN program will take place in various regions across Indonesia, covering seven provinces. In Java, Central Java and East Java serve as KKN locations, while areas outside Java include Bali, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Maluku, and Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra). This broad distribution reflects UNS’s commitment to serving diverse communities.

KKN activities will be conducted in 22 districts and cities. In Central Java, students will be stationed in 12 locations: Blora, Boyolali, Cilacap, Grobogan, Karanganyar, Klaten, Magelang, Sragen, Sukoharjo, Surakarta, Temanggung, and Wonogiri. In East Java, the program will take place in Madiun and Pacitan. In NTB, students will serve in Bima, North Lombok, and East Lombok. In Bali, the locations are Denpasar and Tabanan. Meanwhile, Lembata in NTT, Central Maluku in Maluku, and Wakatobi in Sultra are also designated KKN areas.

UNS has assigned 83 Field Supervisors (DPL) to guide students during the program. The supervisors are faculty members from 14 faculties and one school, including the Vocational School, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), the Faculty of Arts and Design (FSRD), the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), the Faculty of Agriculture (FP), the Faculty of Sports (FKOR), the Faculty of Medicine (FK), the Faculty of Law (FH), the Faculty of Engineering (FT), the Faculty of Animal Husbandry (Fapet), the Faculty of Psychology (Fapsi), the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), the Faculty of Cultural Studies (FIB), and the Faculty of Information Technology and Data Science (Fatisda).

UNS Rector, Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si., conveyed a message to the students, highlighting that KKN is a vital implementation of the Tridarma Perguruan Tinggi (Three Pillars of Higher Education), specifically in community service. This program is expected to provide invaluable experiences in character development, leadership, and social skills.

“Through KKN, students are not only expected to apply the knowledge they have gained in class but also to learn from the social and cultural dynamics of the communities they serve,” Prof. Hartono said.

He emphasized the importance of carrying out responsibilities with creativity, innovation, and a sense of accountability. Students were encouraged to build good relationships with local communities, respect their traditions and cultures, and become agents of positive change in their respective areas.

“They will be deployed across seven provinces, from central to eastern Indonesia, carrying programs designed to address the specific needs of the communities,” he added.

KKN is one of the ways that UNS contributes to community service. The program activities can encompass various aspects of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), depending on the types of initiatives carried out. KKN UNS program aims to address social, economic, and environmental challenges in the participating regions, making a tangible contribution to sustainable development.

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The inauguration of professors marks a significant milestone for both the lecturers and UNS itself. The title of professor represents the pinnacle of academic achievement, reflecting excellence in teaching, research, and contributions to society. This milestone further strengthens UNS’s position as a leading higher education institution in Indonesia and globally. Prof. Hartono extended his gratitude to families, colleagues, and the entire UNS academic community for their support throughout the professors’ careers.

The Rector emphasized the importance of professors’ contributions to advancing knowledge and reinforcing UNS’s role on national and international levels. With the professorship comes greater responsibilities, and Prof. Hartono expressed his belief that with proven dedication and enthusiasm, the newly appointed professors will deliver significant contributions to scientific progress, innovation, and national development.

“There are high hopes from both the academic community and the broader society. We look forward to the tangible contributions of these professors in applying their expertise for the benefit of the community and improving the quality of Tridharma of Higher Education,” Prof. Hartono stated.

Six New Professors Inaugurated on the First Day of Inauguration Week

During the event, Prof. Hartono officially inaugurated four new professors. Prof. Dr. Eng. Herman Saputro, S.Pd., M.Pd., M.T. was inaugurated as the 80th Professor at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) and the 303rd Professor at UNS. He was appointed as a professor in the field of Mechanical Design Expertise. His inaugural speech was titled “Designing a Mobile Power Plant Using Waste-Based Materials with a Micro Combustor System.”

Prof. Dr. Hasih Pratiwi, S.Si., M.Si. was inaugurated as the 31st Professor at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) and the 304th Professor at UNS. She was appointed as a professor in the field of Statistical Modeling Expertise. Her inaugural speech was titled “Statistics: Roles and Challenges in the Era of Big Data.”

Prof. Dr. Argyo Demartoto, M.Si. was inaugurated as the 8th Professor at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) and the 305th Professor at UNS. He was appointed as a professor in the field of Health Sociology Expertise. His inaugural speech was titled “Comprehensive and Continuous Services in the Prevention and Management of HIV and AIDS Based on Digital Humanism: Challenges and Opportunities.”

Prof. Dr. Rr. Elisabeth Nugraheni Eko Wardani, S.S., M.Hum. was inaugurated as the 81st Professor at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) and the 306th Professor at UNS. She was appointed as a professor in the field of Literary Studies and Literature Learning Expertise. Her inaugural speech was titled “The Role of Literature Learning in Developing 21st-Century Skills and Efforts to Integrate Literature into the Curriculum.”

Prof. Dr. Drs. Siswanto, M.Si. was inaugurated as the 32nd Professor at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) and the 307th Professor at UNS. He was appointed as a professor in the field of Algebra Expertise. His inaugural speech was titled “The Development of Max-Plus Algebra in the Context of Theory and Applications.”

Prof. Dr. Endang Susilowati, S.Si., M.Si. was inaugurated as the 82nd Professor at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) and the 308th Professor at UNS. She was appointed as a professor in the field of Nanocomposite Material Expertise. Her inaugural speech was titled “Silver-Chitosan Nanocomposites: Development of Antibacterial Films for Medical Applications.”

The inauguration of these professors on the first day of the inauguration week reaffirms UNS’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. Through their expertise, it is hoped that the newly appointed professors will make significant positive impacts on their academic environments and institutions.

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Dr. Likha Sari Anggreni, S.Sos., M.Soc.Sc., the event’s chair and Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Research at FISIP UNS, highlighted the strong participation. “Approximately 80 attendees joined the event, including lecturers, undergraduate to doctoral students, and representatives from the UNS Institute of Research and Community Service (LPPM),” she said.

In his opening remarks, FISIP UNS Dean, Dr. Didik Gunawan Suharto, S.Sos., M.Si., expressed his hopes that the event would foster a stronger academic atmosphere within FISIP and serve as a platform for scholarly engagement between students and lecturers.

“Thank you to FISIP UNS for introducing this initiative to enhance the academic culture with FISIP Insight Day. I hope this program continues to grow and contributes consistently to strengthening the academic environment at UNS,” Dr. Didik said.

The event was officially opened by Dr. Dimas Rahadian Aji Muhammad, S.T.P., M.Sc., Secretary of LPPM UNS, who praised the program as a groundbreaking effort. “We at LPPM UNS greatly appreciate this event. It is an innovative initiative, unprecedented in other faculties, and reflects the academic culture of leading universities abroad,” Dr. Dimas said.

One of the speakers, Prof. Dr. Argyo Demartoto, M.Si., commended the program for encouraging the exchange of ideas and knowledge. “This is an excellent platform for sharing ideas. In the future, I recommend expanding its scope beyond the faculty to include relevant stakeholders so they can utilize research findings for policy-making at local and national levels,” he said.

Participants, particularly students, also expressed their appreciation for the program. Latutik Muhlisin, a doctoral student in Communication Studies, hoped for similar events in the future, emphasizing their value in supporting doctoral research. Retno Widiastuti, a master’s student in Public Administration, shared a similar sentiment, stating, “This event provides valuable research ideas and broadens students’ perspectives on writing academic articles.”

The FISIP Insight Day program aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education by stimulating research interest, fostering creative idea dissemination, and inspiring the broader audience to pursue academic excellence.

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The distinguished speakers included Dr. Colin Kuehl from Northern Illinois University (USA), Prof. Dr. Novel A. Lyndon from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Malaysia), Prof. Y.M. Dorien Kartikawangi from Atma Jaya Catholic University (Indonesia), Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân, represented by Mr. Vo Lap Phuc from Vietnam National University (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam), and Rino Ardhian Nugroho, S.Sos., M.T.I., Ph.D. from Universitas Sebelas Maret (Indonesia).

The event started with an opening speech by Septyanto Galan Prakoso, S.I.P., M.Sc., Chairman of ICOSAPS 2024, followed by Prof. Dr. Fitria Rahmawati, S.Si., M.Si., Vice-Rector for Academic and Research Affairs at UNS. Both highlighted the critical importance of collaboration in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a more sustainable future. The conference featured two plenary sessions addressing key topics related to the SDGs.

In the first session, Dr. Colin Kuehl emphasized the significance of “Sustainability Literacy” as a driving force for promoting sustainable actions in developing countries. He stressed the need to evaluate educational systems to enhance environmentally friendly practices. Following this, Prof. Dr. Novel A. Lyndon explored the issue of illegal immigration and its relation to SDG 10, focusing on the role of migrants in the economy and the challenges of border control, with Malaysia as a case study.

The second session featured Prof. Y.M. Dorien Kartikawangi, who discussed the impact of digitalization on rural resilience and sustainable development through effective communication strategies that spur concrete action. Mr. Vo Lap Phuc presented on the role of ASEAN youth in advancing SDGs through digital platforms, emphasizing the strengthening of ASEAN identity and active political participation. The session concluded with Rino Ardhian Nugroho, S.Sos., M.T.I., Ph.D. from UNS, who shared insights on the smart city concept as a support mechanism for achieving SDGs in Indonesia, focusing on health, clean energy, and sustainable urban development. “This concept aims to foster SDG achievement through technology integration,” Rino explained.

ICOSAPS 2024 concluded with reflections on the essential contributions of academic institutions, government policies, and youth engagement in driving sustainable change. The conference underscored the importance of international collaboration for a fairer and more sustainable future.

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Dr. Budi Santoso opened the lecture by recounting Indonesia’s trade journey, likening it to a ship navigating various economic “weathers.” He highlighted pivotal events, including economic crises, the commodity booms in oil, gas, manufacturing exports, and more recently, crude palm oil (CPO) and coal, each impacting Indonesia’s trade landscape.

Looking ahead, the Indonesian government is targeting an 8% economic growth rate by 2028–2029, a benchmark last achieved in 1995. Dr. Budi explained that reaching this goal requires key policies promoting investment, technology adaptation, and innovation.

“One of the paths to this goal is through downstream processing, which we must expand across all commodities,” Dr. Budi Santoso said.

To achieve this economic growth, Indonesia focuses on several strategies, including creative processing of natural resources, mastery of advanced production technology, effective logistics and financing, building a high-impact economic ecosystem, creating productive job opportunities, and ensuring balanced environmental sustainability.

Dr. Budi also shared positive economic indicators, noting that Indonesia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5,05% in Q2-2024. He highlighted that Indonesia has been one of the fastest countries to recover post-COVID-19.

“For the past 53 months, since May 2020, our exports have consistently surpassed imports, marking a historical first for Indonesia,” the UNS Faculty of Social and Political Sciences alumnus noted.

To support Indonesia’s trade policies, Kemendag RI has pursued international trade agreements. Dr. Budi noted that these negotiations have opened up markets and reduced trade barriers, resulting in 11 bilateral agreements with countries including Japan, Pakistan, Palestine, Chile, Australia, EFTA countries, Mozambique, Kenya, the UAE, Iran, and Malaysia.

Domestic digital trade has also seen continuous growth, helping to reduce price disparities in Indonesia’s remote and border regions. The Sukoharjo-born minister encouraged students to explore entrepreneurship, emphasizing its role in advancing Indonesia’s economy.

“After graduation, become entrepreneurs. We aim to instill entrepreneurship in our young generation. Our entrepreneurial ratio is currently 4%, while advanced economies achieve ratios of 10–11%,” he explained.

As he concluded the lecture, Dr. Budi outlined three priority programs for the Ministry of Trade: safeguarding the domestic market, expanding export markets, and advancing the “UMKM BISA Export” initiative. UMKM BISA stands for “Berani Inovasi dan Siap Adaptasi” (Dare to Innovate and Ready to Adapt), underscoring the need for creativity, promotion, and integrated technology in innovation, along with regulatory support for export markets and potential export trends.

Dr. Budi’s message aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, promoting decent work and economic growth as a priority for Indonesia. Ultimately, advancing trade contributes to SDG 1, eradicating poverty, and SDG 10, reducing inequality.

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