[Unpad.ac.id, 19/03/2013] The Coordinating Minister for Economy Republic of Indonesia, Ir. M. Hatta Rajasa, argues that universities are the big incubators that generate young entrepreneurs that will help Indonesia’s economy.
Speaking in an interactive dialogue before Unpad students and faculties in Bale Sawala Unpad Campus in Jatinangor, he said the percentage of unemployment in Indonesia is still relatively high, at about 6 to 7 %. “We have to make this as minimum as possible, if necessary it has to be 0%. This can only be done if we change our mindset and focus on becoming entrepreneurs.”
After the reformation 1998, Indonesia has been experiencing changes through the implementation of democracy. The country is now the 16th member of G-20. The nation’s per capita income keeps on increasing. “Before reformation, our income was only US$ 500. Now it is US$ 4000. In 2014, we are expecting US$ 5000. In 2025 it will be US$ 16000,” said he.
Indonesia will become the manufacturing basis for the world if the nation’s youth to start implementing strategies in facing world competition. Innovation is the key to Indonesia’s development. The youth have to immediately be accustomed to it. “Becoming an entrepreneur means that you have to have the courage to innovate and change a view toward the world,” he added. Building network, standing tall, and having good affiliation are three elements that an entrepreneur must possess, in addition to creativity.
The interactive dialogue, entitled Entrepreneurship Development Potential in Universities to Strengthen National Economy Pillars was organized by communication student association, Faculty of Communication Sciences Unpad.
