IO, Jakarta – The technological revolution currently underway is causing a change in lifestyle for the public, creating a more modern, digital, and instant way of life. The spread of this digital lifestyle, in both the urban and rural populations, has impelled many to start up their own type of business based on technological innovations, including digital technology. The growth of the start-up industry has been well received by the public and has created a large potential for Indonesia’s economy.
Support from the government in developing digital technology-based start-ups has been ever present. One program, for instance, is the “1,000 Digital Start-Ups Movement” from the Ministry of Communication and Information. Through this program, Indonesia is expected to become the nation with the largest digital economy by 2020.
Prasetiya Mulya Foundation Trustee Deputy Chairperson Jusuf Wanandi explained that the rapid development of digital technology has given Indonesia a major opportunity to hasten its transformation into a developed nation. For this, the younger generation has an important role to play as these Indonesians will be the foundation of the nation’s future. “Young, talented, creative and innovative entrepreneurs will benefit from the presence of this Fourth Industrial Revolution wave, because this digital lifestyle is very close to the younger generation. This, of course, yields its own benefits to those who have achieved success in the 3.0 life era, the quantum revolution 2.0 and industry 4.0,” observed Jusuf.
According to data from the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), Indonesia is predicted to experience a demographic bonus from 2020 to 2030. This means that the working age population (ages 15-64) will be larger than the non-working age population (under 15 and over 64). This phenomenon presents an opportunity for Indonesia to develop its economy and move it a step closer to becoming a more highly-developed nation.
Universitas Prasetiya Mulya Rector Prof. Dr. Djisman Simandjuntak explained that Prasetiya Mulya understands the importance of educational institutions and especially higher education in turning Indonesia into a developed nation. One of Prasetiya Mulya’s attempts in responding to this challenge in the era of disruption is by prioritizing the collaboration between business, science, and entrepreneurship. “As a result, the School of Applied STEM was formed, a department which offers alternatives to students to develop their interests in the field of technology and business. Through this collaboration, Prasetiya Mulya has entered a new era and this is very important, as if we maintain a model that is not based on science and technology, our efforts to reach escape velocity will be delayed again and again. With this collaboration, a business will become more complex, sustainable and inclusive. We must continue to accelerate, in order to become a fully-developed nation,” he exhorted.
Prof. Djisman added that Universitas Prasetiya Mulya also had a “New Ventures Innovation” program to educate and train those who wanted to obtain the ability to build and develop start-ups. This program is foundational in building the structured mindset needed. “The presence of start-ups inspires a positive impact on society by offering solutions to current problems. For instance, the Crowde start-up pioneered by one of our alumni. Crowde has a mission of helping farmers receive capital, not just creating an opportunity for the public to invest in`, but also to help economic growth in various regions,” said Prof. Djisman. (Prasetiya Mulya Public Relations)