On Friday, November 24, 2023, the Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Study Program, Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics, Faculty of Agriculture, Gadjah Mada University held a guest lecture activity, which was the result of collaboration between the study program and the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The activity occurred at the Harjono Danoesastro Auditorium, Faculty of Agriculture UGM, and became an important discussion area about government policies supporting food security in Indonesia.
The theme raised at this guest lecture, “Policy of the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs in Supporting Food Security and Independence in Indonesia,” is very relevant to economic policy dynamics in Indonesia. This event is open to the public and is mandatory for several students from the Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels of study.
The main speaker on this occasion was Mr. Ir. Arif Rahman Hakim, M.S., Secretary to the Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs. He presented very informative material, describing the condition of Cooperatives and SMEs in Indonesia and the policy direction taken by the ministry for better economic development in the future.
The Rector of Gadjah Mada University, Prof. Dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med. Ed., Sp.OG (K), Ph.D., attended and also gave his speech at the start of the activity. He gave a speech at the beginning of the event, highlighting the importance of collaboration between universities and the government in advancing the economic sector, especially in agriculture and agribusiness. After giving a speech, the event continued with the signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Gadjah Mada University and the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs. This MoU is concrete evidence of cooperation that will be carried out to support economic development in the future. This MoU was ratified directly by the Rector of Gadjah Mada University, Prof. Dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med. Ed., Sp.OG (K), Ph.D., and Mr. Ir. Arif Rahman Hakim, M.S., as Secretary to the Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs.
Mr. Arif Rahman Hakim presented very in-depth information in the material delivery session. He explained that the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs’ policy has three main objectives:
- Create a quality and modern cooperative.
- To develop SMEs and entrepreneurs who can compete in domestic and global markets.
- Created a professional and high-performing Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs
The participant’s enthusiasm was seen from the many questions about the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs’ policies to support young entrepreneurs, especially students. The question and answer session allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of the concrete steps taken by the government.
Through this activity, students can gain knowledge that can be applied in academic contexts in lectures and building their businesses in the future. Hopefully, the collaboration between universities and the government will further strengthen the nation’s economic foundation and produce the next generation who will excel in Indonesia’s agriculture and agribusiness sectors.