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The renaissance of agrarian and ESG interest among Indonesian students
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he Alumni of the Faculty of Economics and Business of Gadjah Mada University (KAFEGAMA), along with PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur (Pupuk Kaltim) officially introduced an event based of their partnership; the Pupuk Kalimantan Timur Gadjah Mada Business Case Competition activity (PKT – GAMA BCC) 2023 earlier this month. This is the second installment of the event, after the success in 2022.
The event, which was opened on July 5, was subsequently followed by a webinar entitled "Agribusiness Sustainability through ESG Development." The theme was raised to discuss the importance of solutions and innovation through the development of environment, social and governance (ESG) issues to take strategic steps for sustainability in the agribusiness sector and the sustainability of community needs amid the current uncertainty. At the same time, the webinar also covered various ways to support economic recovery and advance the national economy based on an agrarian economy.
The hybrid event was attended by Perry Warjiyo, general chairman of KAFEGAMA and the governor of Bank Indonesia; Rahmad Pribadi, principal director of Pupuk Kalimantan Timur; Prof. Didi Achjari, dean of FEB UGM; Ong Tek Tjan, CEO of Titipku; and Reslian Pardede, an ESG practitioner.
This event also marked the inauguration of the business case competition (BCC) activity and discussed agribusiness sustainability through the development of ESG. The competition was held with the aim of preparing students as future leaders who are not only academically superior, but also competent, critical, agile and open minded so they can contribute to a dignified nation toward Golden Indonesia 2045.
As one of the leading industries that has implemented the principles of sustainability in environmental, social, and good governance aspects, the competition gave Pupuk Kaltim the opportunity to further mark its contribution to the country, especially in playing an active role in preparing human resources in Indonesia, as well as becoming a benchmark for other industries in incorporating sustainable practices.
Meanwhile for KAFEGAMA, this competition was an alumni contribution to realizing a healthy and responsible alumni movement for the people of Indonesia. The activity was aimed at providing learning opportunities and mentoring by the nation's best leaders in the business sector, a forum for sharing insights, as well as an opportunity to compete to foster a sense of leadership in students.
The committee invited undergraduate and graduate students to participate. Various sessions and programs were held to equip participants, one of which was an English-language training workshop, an important component to welcome GAMA BCC 2024 at an international level by inviting participants from the best campuses in Asia. It was revealed that the event drew more than 500 participants, online and offline.
Opened by Rahmad Pribadi, main director of Pupuk Kaltim, he said the company saw the potential for sustainable and positive business development for the community. Therefore, Pupuk Kaltim is collaborating with FEB Gajahmada alumni in holding the BCC, which will revolutionize the approach to ESG practices.
"In the last few years, in the business world, companies have been required to prioritize ecological factors. Therefore, ESG is the main theme at the BCC 2023 event," he said.
At the event, the speakers also revealed the current concerns regarding awareness of agribusiness innovation, namely, the lack of participation by the younger generation in the field of agribusiness and the need for more modern technology due to the widespread use of technology that seems traditional. Therefore, a role for young people in developing the agribusiness sector is very much needed.
"There are three important things from the BBC. First, innovation. The need for creative ways in life that are better in the future. Innovation is very important not only for personal or career reasons but also as a progressive matter for the interests of the state. Therefore, this event is a progressive way to realize this readiness for innovation. Second, the environment. Holding the BBC event can create an environmentally friendly attitude toward ecology both practically and ideologically, making event participants become conservative individuals,” said Perry. "Third, making participants into entrepreneurs who are shrewd and capable in the business field. The two previous things, namely innovation and environmental concerns, are needed in the business sector, especially agrarian business. Therefore, many companies need these attitudes in order to realize a more environmentally conscious business.”
As of July 5, there were 137 teams of participants from the undergraduate classes and 50 teams for the master’s programs from all universities in Indonesia. The result of the competition will be announced on Aug. 21, and the winners will have an opportunity to win a total prize of Rp 113 million.
