(FEB NEWS) The Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Airlangga (FEB UNAIR) has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting community economic empowerment through a student service program. In collaboration with Regional Office IV of the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU), the program titled FEB UNAIR Students with Regional Office IV of KPPU: Caring for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) was successfully implemented in January 2025. This activity involved 61 students from various study programs, such as Islamic Economics, Accounting, Management, and Development Economics, who assisted 173 MSMEs in 11 districts/cities in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, West Java, East Java, and Bali.
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UNAIR FEB Students and KPPU Regional Office IV Successfully Empower MSMEs Through Community Service
This program aims to assist MSEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) in facing the challenges of the digital era, particularly in marketing, digitization, financial management, and product branding. During the mentoring, FEB UNAIR students actively provided education on the use of digital technology in business, such as the use of WhatsApp Business, QR-code-based payments, and the i-Menu platform to simplify transactions and increase MSE competitiveness.
Vice Dean I of FEB UNAIR, Dr. Wisnu Wibowo, SE, M.Si., expressed his high appreciation for this collaboration. He emphasized that such a program is very strategic, not only in empowering MSEs but also in equipping students with real-world experience. "Students gain a direct understanding of the challenges faced by MSEs and how they can play a role in supporting people-based economic growth," he said.
Romi Pradhana Aryo, Head of the Research and Advocacy Division of the KPPU's Regional Office IV, also emphasized the importance of this collaboration as part of efforts to create a healthier and more equitable business ecosystem. "The KPPU plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy business competition. Through this program, students not only serve as mentors for MSEs but also as agents of change, helping to foster fairer and more sustainable partnerships," he explained.
One of the UMK participants in this program, Andini, a culinary business owner in Surabaya, expressed the significant benefits she has experienced. "Previously, I relied solely on direct sales in my store, but after receiving mentoring from UNAIR FEB students, I started using social media and QRIS for payments. As a result, my turnover has increased and my business is more organized," she said enthusiastically.
The success of this program is clear evidence that synergy between universities and government institutions can have a positive impact on society. With the continuation of programs like this, it is hoped that more MSEs will be able to thrive and survive amidst increasingly competitive business conditions, while also providing valuable experience for FEB UNAIR students as future economic leaders.