Indonesia Launches Campuspreneur Program to Grow Young Exporters

RRI.CO.ID, Bandung - Indonesia’s Trade Ministry is expanding efforts to develop young entrepreneurs through its Campuspreneur program, launched in partnership with universities. The latest workshop was held at Telkom University in Bandung, West Java, on Thursday, May 8, 2026, with 90 participants from SMEs and student groups.

The program is designed to encourage students to become business founders serving domestic markets while also targeting exports. Officials said the initiative supports Indonesia’s broader strategy to strengthen entrepreneurship and trade competitiveness.

Director General for National Export Development, Fajarini Puntodewi, said the workshop was part of a national collaboration between government, academia, business, and international partners. “We want to encourage the birth of young entrepreneurs who can create jobs through competitive businesses,” she said.

The workshop focused on export readiness under the theme of transforming SME products from design and financing to global market access. Speakers included experts from Indonesia Eximbank, the Indonesia Design Development Center, and Indonesia’s Trade Attaché in The Hague.

Trade Ministry Secretary, Sugih Rahmansyah, said SMEs remain the backbone of Indonesia’s economy and hold strong export potential. He added that campus-based businesses could become a new source of innovative exporters.

The Campuspreneur program is built on four pillars: capacity building, product innovation, market access, and stronger partnerships. Officials said the integrated model is intended to help students create competitive products and enter overseas markets.

The ministry is also facilitating online business matching with 46 Indonesian trade representatives in 33 countries. The scheme connects emerging and established exporters directly with international buyers.

Indonesia recorded a trade surplus of USD 3.32 billion in March 2026, while the January–March cumulative surplus reached USD 5.55 billion. West Java also remained a major export hub, posting a USD 2.11 billion surplus in March, led by its manufacturing sector.