Rector of IPB Optimistic the Number of Entrepreneurs from Millennials Will Increase

Dr. Arif Satria, Rector of Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) gave a message to millennials who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs. This was delivered at the Millennial Activist event entitled "Initiative of Millennials in the Agribusiness Sector" at the Greenery Resto Collection Park, IPB Baranangsiang Campus (4/8). The event was attended by approximately 120 participants from students, communities, agricultural practitioners, and entrepreneurs. The aim is to share information and inspiration for young people or millennials to open new spaces in the agribusiness sector.

"I am optimistic that there will be many new entrepreneurs going forward. The current condition is that the business is flexible, it can be for anyone. With an orientation towards entrepreneurs, the best employment opportunities are in the field of agriculture because the scope is very wide. Everyday, people need food and what can fulfill it is agriculture," he added.

According to Dr. Arif, IPB as an institute engaged in creating human resources, must be compatible with this. "The pattern of education will only be felt after 10 to 15 years. So at this time, we must have a compatible education plan to participate in 2030 or 2035. Therefore we try to project and imagine in the next 10 to 15 years," he said.

According to him, IPB wants to make its graduates as technopreneur and sociopreneur. For that reason, during the selection of new students, IPB selected prospective students who have positive spirit, who have leadership and good entrepreneurship skills. And already accustomed to solving problems, negotiating, and moving people.

"Therefore, I took a new policy by opening the invitation board for the Student Council Chair. So that almost four percent of IPB students are the Student Council Board (OSIS) Chairmen from the best high schools in Indonesia. If this happens, then the process of creating the entrepreneurs, the soft skills have been honed, their competence is extraordinary," he said.

Also attending the event were two IPB alumni who were focused on entrepreneurship, namely Alfi Irfan (Owner and CEO of AgriSocio) and Tejo Pramono (Owner of Ranin Coffee House). Two other speakers from the entrepreneurial circle were Arif Zamani (CFO SayurBox) and Michael J. Sugianto (Co-Founder of TaniHub). (FM)