UNS — The Rector of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho, signs a memorandum of understanding with the Indonesia Council for Small Business (ICSB) Wednesday (7/4/2021) afternoon in the UNS Inn.
Representing ICSB, Dr. Jacky Mussry, as the President of ICSB, signs the MoU directly. The ICSB also signed a partnership agreement with 12 universities in the Great Solo area and Central Java Province.
The purpose and objective contained in the MoU between UNS and ICSB are to synergizing the potential and resources controlled by both parties in developing their institution and education quality through the implementation of the higher education Tri Dharma and Kampus Merdeka-Merdeka Belajar Program. Aside from signing the MoU, Prof. Jamal, who delivers a keynote speech for the event, congratulates the establishment of the Central Java ICSB Administration for 2021-2023.
In front of the universities’ leader and guest, Prof. Jamal, in his opening remark, mentioned the significant role of the MSMEs in supporting and developing the Indonesian economy. He states that during the Covid-19 pandemic, more than 7,000 MSMEs are greatly affected. The Ministry of Cooperation and SME of the Republic of Indonesia announces that 56% of the MSMEs face declining sales. “Additionally, 22% of them have a funding problem, 15% faces distribution constraints, and 4% admit that it is difficult to get raw materials,” Prof. Jamal explains.
Further, Prof. Jamal states that the Covid-19 pandemic made 1.6 million workers are facing mass layoffs. This condition will lead to a higher poverty and unemployment level in Indonesia. Even though the MSMEs are one of the affected sectors, he considers that MSMEs’ role during this crisis is crucial because they will revive and support the Indonesian economic condition during an economic crisis.
Prof. Jamal also requested ICSB to familiarize its institution with the higher education institution to collaborate and nurture students’ entrepreneurs’ capability. According to Prof. Jamal, this action is important because the young generation always brings a positive aura for Indonesia’s economic growth, having a great imagination, creative, responsive, and technologically literate.
“Entrepreneurship is a spirit that needs further development to bring a solution for the current problems. Therefore, the Z generation and university students are responsible for bringing the glory of Indonesia economy,” Prof. Jamal states. Humas UNS
Reporter: Yefta Christopherus AS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti