UNAIR NEWS 鈥 (UNAIR) continues to strengthen its role in supporting the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045 by advancing strategic collaborations among higher education institutions. This commitment was reiterated in a public dialogue titled 鈥淪trengthening Higher Education Partnerships Toward Indonesia Emas 2045,鈥 held virtually on Friday, April 25, 2025. The event was organized by UNAIR鈥檚 Start-up and Incubation Business Development Board (BPBRIN) in partnership with Suara Muslim TV.
Business incubation with open access
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nafik Hadi Ryandono, SE, M.Si, Head of BPBRIN, emphasized that character development and soft skills are now key priorities in higher education. Through its student business incubator, BPBRIN offers students the opportunity to engage in entrepreneurial ventures from their early semesters.
鈥淪ince 2024, there has been no cap on the number of students entering our incubation program. The goal is for students to graduate not in search of jobs, but already equipped to expand the businesses they鈥檝e started,鈥 he said. Prof. Nafik also noted BPBRIN鈥檚 success in producing innovative products, such as Sativa Toothpaste鈥攁 collaborative effort between faculty and students鈥攚hich has entered international markets including Turkey.
Also speaking at the event were Dr. Eko Supeno, M.Si, Chair of UNAIR鈥檚 Board of Partnerships and Development Management (BKMP), and Prof. Dr. H. Suparto Wijoyo, SH, M.Hum, Vice Director III of UNAIR鈥檚 Postgraduate School.
Soft skills: Solution to Gen Z鈥檚 challenges
Prof. Nafik addressed the rising unemployment rate among Generation Z, which he estimated at 10 million. He argued that the core issue lies not in a lack of technical training, but in a deficiency of essential life skills. 鈥淗ard skills matter, but what truly sets individuals apart are soft skills鈥攔esilience, determination, and adaptability. These are the competencies most needed in the real world,鈥 he explained.
In outlining UNAIR鈥檚 vision for 2045, Prof. Nafik stressed the importance of producing graduates who excel not only in academics and professional fields, but who also embody strong national values and moral principles. This aligns with the university鈥檚 motto: Excellence with Morality.
鈥淚ndonesia has the potential to become one of the world鈥檚 top five economies. But in doing so, we must preserve our identity. We aim to shape well-rounded individuals鈥攕trong in both body and spirit, grounded in worldly knowledge and spiritual integrity,鈥 he added.
Promoting partnerships and national insights
Dr. Eko Supeno and Prof. Suparto Wijoyo further enriched the discussion by underscoring the importance of cross-institutional partnerships. They noted that collaboration is critical for meeting global challenges while remaining rooted in national identity and values.
The event underscored UNAIR鈥檚 proactive stance in serving as a leading institution committed to preparing a generation of excellence in support of Indonesia Emas 2045.
Author: Panca Ezza Aisal Saputra
Editor聽 : Ragil Kukuh Imanto
