Serang, Banten -- Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin State Islamic University (UIN SMH) Banten continues its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in Indonesia by holding the second Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Business Incubation.
The three-day event, held from October 4 to 6, 2024, at Hotel Aston Serang, focused on supporting the management of Business Identification Numbers (NIB), reviewing previous mentorship efforts, and publicizing results. The program attracted participation from 36 Community-Based Job Training Centers (BLKK) from regions including Sumatra, Banten, Jakarta, and Kalimantan.
Speaking at the opening of the event, Dr. H. Subhan, M.Ed, Vice-Rector II of UIN SMH Banten, underscored the significance of halal entrepreneurship through business incubators embedded in the BLKK program. "The BLKK must serve as a productive space, creating positive impact and fostering new entrepreneurs equipped with skills relevant to today's needs and rooted in Islamic values," Subhan remarked.Â
He highlighted that BLKKs are now recognized by the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs through the issuance of certification in the Incubation Registration and Evaluation Information System (SIPENSI).
Supporting MSME Growth with Digital Expertise
One of the keynote speakers at the event, Muhammad Fatihi, Head of Technology and Information Development at the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, provided technical guidance to BLKK managers. The participants, representing various BLKKs, engaged actively throughout the mentorship sessions, which ran from 8 AM to 8:30 PM. The goal was to help the incubators meet regulatory standards and be officially listed in the Ministry's SIPENSI system.
The FGD was held in a hybrid format, with in-person sessions at the venue and online participation via Zoom, alongside a live broadcast on the Faculty of Da'wah's YouTube channel. To further equip BLKK managers with essential skills for the digital era, three experts in digital technology and artificial intelligence were invited to share their insights.
New Marketplace Platform Launch for BLKK Entrepreneurs
As part of the effort to expand market access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under the BLKK's mentorship, the Faculty of Da'wah at UIN SMH Banten launched an innovative digital platform called Pasar Kreatif Nusantara (www.pasarkreatifnusantara.biz.id). This marketplace is designed to provide a digital outlet for BLKK tenants to showcase and sell their products, offering wider access to markets across Indonesia.
Long-Term Impact and Vision
