economy

Mendag Budi Presents Three New Priority Programs From Kemendag To The Youth At UNS

Trade Minister Budi Santoso announced that the Ministry of Trade has three priority programs: securing the domestic market, expanding export markets, and enhancing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the BISA (Brave Innovation, Ready Adaptation) Export initiative. These programs are interconnected and require strategic collaboration from various parties.

Minister Budi shared this during a public lecture on Indonesia's trade policy on Thursday, October 31, at Sebelas Maret University (UNS) in Solo, Central Java. He was accompanied by Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Trade, Isy Karim.

"Strengthening the domestic market, expanding export markets, and improving BISA export MSMEs are the main focuses of the Ministry of Trade right now. All of these aim to maintain and even continue the positive trend of Indonesia's trade balance, which has been in surplus for the last 53 months," said Minister Budi.

These programs specifically highlight MSMEs, as they play a significant role in Indonesia's economy, making up 99 percent of all business units and contributing 60 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP), along with absorbing up to 97 percent of the workforce. Minister Budi also discussed challenges faced in the field, such as low productivity among MSMEs and the lack of legal status for many of them.

"Creating jobs through MSMEs is crucial, but improving productivity is key to the sustainability of MSME businesses," emphasized Minister Budi.

During the lecture, Minister Budi explained that the Ministry of Trade has prepared several steps to achieve these three targets. For the second target, efforts include exploring non-traditional markets by optimizing the role of trade representatives. Additionally, three bilateral trade negotiations with Canada, Eurasia, and Peru are being finalized.

The Ministry of Trade ensures that all regulatory instruments created aim to foster fair trade. This is all directed towards achieving economic growth targets and improving the welfare of the community, explained Minister Budi.

Before concluding the public lecture, Minister Budi encouraged UNS to promote entrepreneurship among students. "Local entrepreneurs will continue to be a focus for the government moving forward, so take this opportunity to explore the world of entrepreneurship while in college," he stated.

During the event, a memorandum of understanding was also signed between UNS and the Ministry of Trade regarding the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education and the Merdeka Learning – Merdeka Campus program. The Minister hopes this agreement will not just be a document but will bring significant benefits to both parties. The scope of the agreement includes education, research, community service, Merdeka Learning – Merdeka Campus, entrepreneurship, and MSMEs, as well as other areas as agreed upon later.

Present at the public lecture were UNS Rector Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees Prof. Dr. Mohammad Furqon Hidayatullah, M.Pd. The lecture was attended by over 600 participants, including lecturers, students, and the general public.

Tag: Budi Santoso Mendag Sebelas Maret University UNS