'Kampuspreneur,' Pertamina's Way to Rise the Spirit of Riau Students to Develop MSMEs
Jakarta, September 28, 2020 - PT Pertamina (Persero) pays special attention to the business activities of students in Riau, especially that Riau is one of Pertamina's operational areas, which has a massive market potential for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Through the 'Kampuspreuneur' program, Pertamina wants to build enthusiasm and interest of students in Riau to develop businesses to become independent and become the driving force for the economy in Riau.
Vice President of Corporate Communication of Pertamina, Fajriyah Usman said, according to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), in 2018, there were 2.9 million jobs. However, 133 million workers are seeking these jobs. Not surprisingly, in 2019, BPS recorded 6.24 percent of unemployed with a bachelor's degree.
Not only that, the Covid-19 pandemic conditions exacerbated the unemployment rate in Riau to 7,160 people. The poverty rate increased to approximately 23,776 people. For that, one of the efforts to reduce unemployment and poverty in Riau is to stimulate MSMEs, especially among the younger generation.
"We want students, the younger generation, in Riau to be able to start their business well and become independent and become the driving force for the economy in Riau. Because we know, MSMEs are one of the economic pillars of a region, even a country, "said Fajriyah Usman.
Fajriyah said, to increase entrepreneurship among students in Riau, Pertamina collaborated with the Universitas Islam Riau (UIR) Pekanbaru through the 'Kampuspreuneur' program. This MSMEs development program began with an entrepreneurship workshop for UIR students on July 14, 2020. The students are equipped with entrepreneurial motivation and soft skills to build entrepreneurship and business management knowledge.
"We challenge the participants who take part in this program to compile an entrepreneurial business proposal. The best business proposals receive capital assistance from Pertamina's CSR funds to be turned into a business. Apart from that, the selected business proposals will also be accompanied by a mentor for its realization, "said Fajriyah.
Fajriyah said that the UIR campus itself has 27 thousand active students from 42 existing study programs. It means that this is tremendous entrepreneurial potential.
"Imagine how many fresh business ideas can come from UIR students. It is a potential for Riau Province as well. Therefore, we must stimulate the spirit of business and help these students," said Fajriyah.
There are 150 applicants with 86 proposals. Furthermore, the submitted proposals were selected by five judges involved, namely two judges from UIR Campus, two judges from external practitioners, and one judge from Pertamina.
The jury has selected 20 students with the best entrepreneurial proposals. Some even take the form of running a business. The announcement of the 20 best proposals was carried out online on Thursday (24/09/2020). The announcement was also attended by UIR Rector, Prof. Dr. H Syafrinaldi SH MH, UIR Deputy Rector, III Ir H Rosyadi, M.Si, and VP CSR SMEPP Pertamina, Arya Dwi Paramita.
"From the plenary meeting, it has been agreed that the best 20 proposals will receive capital assistance and mentoring with total assistance of IDR 200 million. UIR students who take part in this program, let's get ready to develop the business," continued Fajriyah.
The 'Kampuspreuneur' program is a formation of young entrepreneurs program among UIR students by Pertamina. This activity aims to form the mental and entrepreneurial knowledge of UIR students to develop their business independently.
"In Riau, we are not only focused on company operations and preparation for the transfer of management of the Rokan Block, but also on the socio-economic aspects of all levels of society, including improving the quality of Riau's young generation," concluded Fajriyah.**