Jayapura, Jubi – Cenderawasih University (Uncen) in Jayapura, Papua, launched the fifth batch of its Super Studentpreneur program, a career development and entrepreneurship initiative for students, at a local hotel on Monday.

The program aims to foster an entrepreneurial mindset, equip students with business skills, and encourage the emergence of independent and competitive young entrepreneurs from Papua.

Vice Rector III of Cenderawasih University, Dr. Septinus Saa, said the Studentpreneur Batch 5 program was designed to strengthen students’ capacity to create business opportunities and employment, while continuing to enhance their skills through various entrepreneurship and leadership development initiatives.

According to Saa, universities have a responsibility not only to produce academically accomplished graduates, but also individuals equipped with the skills, creativity, and ability to independently create business opportunities.

“We must prepare graduates who are not only capable of securing employment after completing their studies, but who are also able to create jobs for others through entrepreneurship and other productive ventures,” Saa said.

He noted that the program forms part of broader efforts to build Papua’s human resource capacity by empowering a generation of young people who are independent and competitive.

The initiative also supports the achievement of Higher Education Key Performance Indicators (IKU), which target graduates to be employed, pursue further education, or start a business shortly after completing their studies.

During the three-day program, participants will receive training from various speakers and hear testimonials from alumni who have successfully developed businesses and careers in different sectors.

“We hope the knowledge shared through this program will provide students with the insight and motivation needed to continue developing their capabilities and strengthening their entrepreneurial skills,” he said.

Saa emphasized the importance of cultivating a spirit of innovation among students to prevent university graduates from joining the ranks of educated unemployed.

Students, he said, must be able to identify opportunities, develop their potential, and make meaningful contributions to community development by utilizing Papua’s abundant natural resources.

He added that the economic potential of Papua’s coastal, island, and mountainous regions could be developed into productive sectors, including fisheries, agriculture, plantations, and livestock farming.

“Papua has enormous resources. With the knowledge and experience gained through their studies and programs such as this, students are expected to return to their home regions and develop local potential, creating employment opportunities for surrounding communities,” he said.

Saa described student entrepreneurship development as a strategic step toward reducing unemployment and breaking the cycle of poverty in Papua.

He also encouraged students who have demonstrated readiness and capability to participate in national entrepreneurship programs and competitions.

“The goal is not only for Papuan students to thrive locally, but also to compete and excel at the national level,” he said.

“Participants should make the most of this opportunity as a learning platform and continue developing their potential for a more advanced and self-reliant Papua.”

Head of Uncen’s Academic Implementation Unit (UPA) for Career Development and Entrepreneurship, Kurniawan Patma, said the program was attended by around 50 teams representing various faculties.

According to Patma, the initiative is intended to encourage students to become job creators rather than job seekers.

He explained that the program is part of a broader entrepreneurship ecosystem that has been developed sustainably within Cenderawasih University.

“Students’ contributions to development are not limited to activities in the field. They can also contribute through innovation and creative work that delivers tangible benefits to society,” Patma said.

He added that previous capacity-building programs had produced dozens of alumni who are now actively involved in community economic empowerment, business development, and the management of Indigenous community-based enterprises.

Patma noted that Uncen’s student entrepreneurship program has continued to grow since it was implemented in a more structured manner in 2022. The program includes training, business mentoring, startup capital assistance, and support for product promotion and marketing.
Students receive not only entrepreneurship training but also financial assistance and ongoing mentoring through a phased evaluation system designed to ensure that their businesses develop sustainably.

In addition to training and financial support, the university has established a range of complementary initiatives, including entrepreneurship festivals that serve as platforms for promoting student products.

Student products and innovations are also encouraged to be published through catalogs and academic publications in research and community service journals.

“This year, the university is giving special attention to student teams with the potential to compete in national entrepreneurship competitions. The institution is committed to providing support and facilitation for teams that qualify for national competitions. (*)