Mataram, University of Mataram – University of Mataram (Unram) held a Public Lecture in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia on Friday, December 13, 2024 at the Senate Conference Room, Unram Rectorate. This Public Lecture entitled “Government and Higher Education Collaboration for the Transformation of UMKM Towards the Global Market” with an honorable speaker, the Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia, Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, B.A., M.Sc.

This public lecture was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Dr. Ihsan Ro’is, S.T., M.Si., the Vice Rectors of Unram, the Indonesian Ministry of Trade, representatives of NTB agencies (Department of Trade, Department of Industry, Department of UKM Cooperatives, Department of Food Security, Department of Tourism), and Unram students.

Dr. Ihsan Ro’is in his speech said that Unram was honored to be able to hold a public lecture in direct collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Trade and was visited directly by the Deputy Minister of Trade, Mrs. Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, B.A., M.Sc., to share knowledge on how the government and universities have a role in the transformation of UMKM to the global market.

“’UMKMs are the backbone of the Indonesian economy with a significant contribution to GDP and employment. They have the potential to compete in the global market. However, challenges such as limited technology and innovation are obstacles that must be overcome together,” said Dr. Ihsan.

Dr. Ihsan hopes that through this public lecture the participants can dig deeper into the strategic steps that can be taken to improve the work ethics and professionalism of UMKM actors, strengthen expertise in various fields of science, the use of modern technology, and solid collaboration between various stakeholders.

The Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia, Mrs. Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, B.A., M.Sc., in her general lecture presentation said that the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia has a very important role in assisting the UMKM sector from upstream to downstream in the transformation to the global market. There are various challenges faced by the UMKM sector that must be overcome together by various parties. With various trade opportunities such as large mineral potential, large domestic markets, economic and political stability, and demographic bonuses, Indonesia can optimize economic growth through UMKM exports so as not to depend on the extractive sector.

“The Indonesian Ministry of Trade has 3 focus work programs: first securing the domestic market, second expanding the export market, third increasing UMKM CAN export,” said Deputy Minister Dyah.

“ UMKM is a critical engine for the Indonesian economy, which amounts to 99% of the total business units in Indonesia where when Indonesia faces pandemic conditions, the UMKM sector can support the Indonesian economy with a contribution to GDP of 60.51%,” explained Deputy Minister Dyah.

At the end of the event, Unram gave a plaque of appreciation to the Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia, Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, B.A., M.Sc., as a sign of gratitude for the participation and knowledge that had been shared. The activity was closed with a group photo session involving the speakers, Unram leaders, representatives of related agencies, and students who enthusiastically participated in the event.

This public lecture is expected to be a concrete starting point in strengthening collaboration between the government, universities, and various stakeholders to support the transformation of UMKM in Indonesia. With strong synergy, it is expected that the UMKM can be more competitive and ready to penetrate the global market.