(Socio Entrepreneurship)          

Recognizing the need for students to engage in regional development upon returning from Yogyakarta, Stube HEMAT organized a discussion and community exposure program with students of STAK Marturia Yogyakarta (11/05/2025). The event inspired participants to explore the potential of their respective regions and identify opportunities for development. The attendees, future pastors and Christian teachers, gained valuable insights, experiences, and inspiration. These are expected to equip them to navigate real-world challenges and generate innovative ideas for growth, both within their congregations and in their personal endeavours.

Socio-entrepreneurship refers to business ventures or activities led by individuals or groups that generate a positive social impact. Unlike conventional entrepreneurship, its primary goal is to address social or environmental challenges rather than solely pursuing financial gain. By applying entrepreneurial principles, socio-entrepreneurs develop innovative solutions for issues related to education, health, and economic inequality. Key considerations in socio-entrepreneurship include finding sustainable ways to generate profit, empowering communities, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Several socio entrepreneurship business platforms in Indonesi making a significant impact, such as KitaBisa.com which focuses on raising funds for those in need, Waste4Change which focuses on waste management, WeCare.id, a health access platform for the underprivileged individuals, LindungiHutan, an organization dedicated to reforestation and forest conservation in Indonesia, and so on. Another example in Bangladesh is Muhammad Yunus, the founder of Grameen Bank (1983), who developed a micro-loan system to empower the poor. This business was able to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006.

The slowdown in Indonesia’s economic growth in the first quarter of 2025, recorded at 4.87%, signals major challenges ahead, including a decline in purchasing power. One contributing factor is the stagnation of private investment, which remains in a "wait and see" phase due to economic uncertainty. To address these challenges, students and young people must develop local potential and gain proficiency in digital technology. Socio-entrepreneurship serves as a breakthrough solution amid existing social and economic difficulties. The discussions and exposure activities aim to inspire and mobilize young entrepreneurs. Best wishes to the Stube HEMAT student-participants on this process!***