Pati, September 30, 2025 – The Student Association of Universitas Terbuka (IKMA UT) Central Java demonstrated its seriousness in preparing students for economic independence. This was realized through the Student Startup Incubator Seminar held at the Pati Regency Cooperatives and UMKMs Office Hall. This activity is a tangible step to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem early on, ensuring students are not only focused on theory but are also ready to face the challenges of the business world.
The seminar, initiated by the Creative Socio-Economic Division (Sosekraf) of IKMA UT Central Java, featured two experienced speakers: Werdani Sulistya Hadi (Founder & CEO of Idev Semarang) and Suudut Tasdiq, S.H., LL.M. (Lecturer at UIN Walisongo and Deputy Rois Syuriah of PCINU China). The discussion, moderated by Anisa Ramadani, owner of Wedangan Sinarengan, was interactive, providing practical insights on how to start a business from scratch.
According to the Committee Chair, Andi Setyawan, UT students need to be given space to experiment early to become accustomed to building businesses. This was reinforced by Ika Sansuryawati, Deputy Head of Sosekraf, who emphasized the importance of having the courage to take the first step, even if it starts with a small idea.
The General Chair of IKMA UT Central Java, Apriliani Eka Saputri, affirmed that this incubation program is a long-term investment in producing a generation of job creators. Thus, UT students are not only ready to look for jobs but are also capable of creating new employment opportunities. UT provides space, support, and legitimacy for student organizations like IKMA UT to organize programs that encourage economic independence. This means UT does not merely educate through lectures but also prepares a learning environment that encourages students to experiment with business ideas.
The enthusiasm of the participants was clearly visible. Many students immediately presented their business ideas and even requested mentoring to develop their ideas into real businesses. This proves that the spirit of entrepreneurship can thrive when students are given the right platform.
With an applicative and collaborative learning model, this activity has a close connection with the achievement of the SDGs, particularly in education, economy, innovation, and partnership. By providing learning experiences outside the classroom, this seminar supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) as students gain practical skills that complement academic theory.
Furthermore, by fostering the entrepreneurial spirit and producing job creators, the activity supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), as students are directed to create employment, not just seek it. By encouraging the birth of startup ideas and innovation from students, the program contributes to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), as these ideas have the potential to strengthen UMKMs and the creative economy.
Students are not just job seekers, but job creators. Through the Startup Incubator, IKMA UT Central Java proves that an early entrepreneurial spirit can go hand-in-hand with education and provide a real impact on the future.
