RRI.CO.ID, Palembang – The Ministry of Trade urges university students in South Sumatra to start building businesses while they are still in college. By strengthening the campus-based entrepreneurship ecosystem, students are expected not only to become job seekers, but also to create employment opportunities and become future exporters.

The statement was delivered online by Vice Minister of Trade, Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, during the mass inauguration of the South Sumatra chapters of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association for Higher Education, or HIPMI PT. The event was held at the ballroom of the South Sumatra Provincial Financial Services Authority office in Palembang.

“Young people are the driving force behind economic growth. This spirit is in line with the Ministry of Trade’s commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable export ecosystem,” she said, as quoted from an official statement on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

According to her, global trade competition is becoming increasingly intense. Therefore, Indonesia needs more young people who are willing to start businesses and have the vision to bring Indonesian products into international markets.

To support this goal, the Ministry of Trade continues to strengthen the Campuspreneur Program. The program serves as a development platform for students who want to build export-oriented businesses from an early stage.

“We want students not only to become job seekers, but also job creators, innovators, and future exporters. The Ministry of Trade will continue to provide opportunities for collaboration through various export development programs, training, business matching, trade promotions, and the use of international trade agreements so that more young Indonesian entrepreneurs can become new exporters,” she added.

Meanwhile, Director General of National Export Development, Fajarini Puntodewi, encouraged students to make use of their university years to begin building innovative, adaptive, and export-oriented businesses.

“Indonesia needs more young entrepreneurs who not only have the courage to start businesses, but also have a global outlook. Universities are the best places to develop creativity, networks, and innovation. Through HIPMI PT, we hope more student-run businesses will grow into future exporters,” she said.

She explained that advances in digital technology have made it easier for businesses to reach consumers in various countries. However, these opportunities must be supported by strong digital literacy, critical-thinking skills, and business networks.

As part of its efforts to develop new exporters, the Ministry of Trade has introduced several programs. These include UMKM Berani Adaptasi, Siap Adaptasi, or BISA Ekspor; Desa BISA Ekspor; the MSME Partnership Program; and Campuspreneur.

Through these programs, business owners receive assistance in product development, capacity building, design and branding, certification, promotion, business matching, and access to international markets. Market access is also supported through Indonesia’s 46 trade representatives abroad.