HumasUPNVJ - Demographic bonuses in Indonesia provide great opportunities for economic growth and development. With a large population of working age, there is potential for increased labor participation, increased productivity, and contribution to overall economic growth. However, it is important to note that this potential demographic dividend must be accompanied by appropriate efforts in inclusive education, skills training, job creation and economic development.

If there is not adequate investment in human capital development, the demographic bonus can turn into a burden if it is not utilized effectively. For this reason, UPNVJ through Incubiz LPPM together with LPDP (Educational Fund Management Institution) is holding a workshop titled LPDP Business Competition 2023, to maximize the potential for demographic bonuses by implementing policies that support human resource development, skills training, job creation, and economic empowerment for productive age population. This event took place at the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Hall, UPNVJ from Saturday (20/05) to Sunday (21/05).

The LPDP Business Competition itself is a business competition organized by the Education Fund Management Agency (LPDP) with the aim of encouraging the number of entrepreneurs in Indonesia. This LPDP Business Competition activity is widely open to the public.

Not only awardees and alumni receiving LPDP scholarships, SMA/SMK/MA/equivalent students, university students, and the general public can also take part in this competition. While the code 5ME2045 is an acronym for 5 Millions Entrepreneur 2045, it means that LPDP plans to create five million entrepreneurs by 2045.

The Chancellor of UPNVJ, Anter Venus really appreciated this activity. In his remarks, the Chancellor said that currently UPNVJ is trying to develop the entrepreneurial aspect of the entire academic community. "We are trying to continue to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem on this campus, starting from the curriculum, courses, institutions and so on, and Alhamdulillah this LPDP is like an umbrella for us who will move in that direction."

Venus also added that UPN Veteran Jakarta as a producer of startups in the digital sector is committed to hosting the LPDP Business Competition Workshop so that many startups emerge and develop not only from the UPN Veterans Jakarta academic community, but also from people in the city of Jakarta. and surrounding.

"In principle, UPNVJ is committed to developing entrepreneurship. This event is very strategic, in the future we will design a wider collaboration with LPDP, we are always ready to cooperate with LPDP," he concluded.

LPDP Scholarship Director, Dwi Larso Ph.D said that the funding for the winners of this competition was fully borne by LPDP. "This is LPDP's commitment by providing a sizable budget in providing the best education for the nation's children."

“Any profession has to be passionate about being useful for others. Because if in Islam, the best human being is useful for others. So that these entrepreneurs are later expected to benefit the nation, state, and religion. You only live once, so be an entrepreneur !”, he said enthusiastically.

During the workshop, participants were accompanied by experts consisting of business practitioners, regulators and academics who are experienced in making business proposals. In addition, participants can also get the opportunity to interact with business professionals who have proven successful and can expand their network later in the entrepreneurial community.

The main priority for participants in this activity is Gen Z, as stated by the Jakarta-Banten regional coordinator, Wahid Chandra Daulay. “Gen Z is a top priority for this program. Indonesia is currently experiencing a demographic bonus, so LPDP has initiated small steps across Indonesian campuses.

The goal is for all of Indonesia to give birth to entrepreneurs not only among students but also the general public according to the Gen Z criteria.

In line with Wahid, Mata Garuda represented by Wahyu Bagus Yuliantok wants this program to produce young entrepreneurs up to 2045.

"We and the community always support to provide positive activities to the community. Of course, the impact will be felt later, where our goal is Indonesia to become a developed country, and become a country with world-recognized power.

Building an entrepreneurial spirit is important because it not only provides personal benefits, but also makes a significant contribution to economic growth, innovation and the welfare of society at large. The more entrepreneurs in Indonesia, the greater the opportunity to create innovation and new jobs, as well as improve people's welfare.