Source: Untar Public Relations – VC
August 12 is commemorated as National Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Day in Indonesia. The date was not chosen at random; it coincides with the birth anniversary of Mohammad Hatta, the Father of Indonesian Cooperatives and a pioneer of the people-centered economic concept. National MSMEs Day was officially established during the National MSMEs Congress held on May 25–26, 2016, in Yogyakarta, marking an important milestone in Indonesia’s economic development history.
The commemoration is often marked by various activities, including local product exhibitions, entrepreneurship training programs, seminars, and discussion forums. These initiatives aim to encourage MSMEs to scale up, enhance their competitiveness, and expand their reach into broader markets.
As a concrete demonstration of support for the MSME ecosystem, Untar continues to play an active role. Through various campus events, including its anniversary celebrations, Untar regularly invites MSMEs from surrounding communities to participate in bazaars and local product exhibitions. This collaboration not only creates marketing opportunities but also strengthens the connection between academia and the business sector.
Furthermore, as one of Indonesia’s leading private universities, Untar is committed to instilling the values of IPE—Integrity, Professionalism, and Entrepreneurship—in all of its students. Through an adaptive curriculum and project-based entrepreneurial activities, Untar students are encouraged not only to learn business theories but also to develop a strong entrepreneurial mindset characterized by creativity, resilience, and ethical conduct. This serves as tangible evidence that universities can become fertile grounds for nurturing future MSME entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs of the Republic of Indonesia continues to implement strategic programs, ranging from simplified business licensing and digital transformation initiatives to improved access to financing. These efforts form part of the government’s broader strategy to support MSME transformation toward greater independence and global competitiveness.
National MSMEs Day is, in essence, more than an annual celebration. It serves as a reminder of the direction Indonesia’s economy should take—one that recognizes economic strength not only through macroeconomic indicators but also through the millions of small business owners who work quietly yet consistently make meaningful contributions to the nation. Through collaboration among government institutions, higher education institutions, and society, MSMEs can continue to grow into a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable foundation of the Indonesian economy. (VC/YS)