REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, YOGYAKARTA -- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has expressed hope that universities would play a key role in the ecosystem by developing entrepreneurship and creating more entrepreneurs.

"Indeed, I hope that higher education could improve play a key role, as an important part of the ecosystem, to develop entrepreneurship and create sociopreneurs," Jokowi said in a general lecture to commemorate the 68th anniversary of Gadjah Mada University (UGM) here on Tuesday.

In particular, he wanted UGM to serve as a driving force for higher education to play active role in entrepreneurship.

The president called on universities not to be stuck in the routine but continue to develop new innovations.

"Students' interest in innovation must grow, and creativity must be facilitated and developed," he stressed.

Jokowi reiterated that sociopreneurs who could solve social problems through entrepreneurship must be supported.

He applauded the emergence of sociopreneurs amongst Indonesian youth, including those who create recycled plastic, application for efficient fish feeding, application for online trade, film makers, and game makers.

"All these people would need supporting facilities from their campuses. Therefore, it is important to have co-working space in campuses where students and lecturers could work together to create new innovations and have inter-study interaction. Interaction with people from other profession is essential for entrepreneurs," he remarked.

Universities should have a creative hub to facilitate the future entrepreneurs to build their networks, he added.

"Universities must work in cooperation with banking sector and related companies, in order to find the funding sources and help them to develop marketing network," he revealed.

Therefore, he encouraged universities to be more innovative. "Education must be done with new methods, innovations, and creativity."

It is time for higher education to improve its curriculum and be in line with the development of new technology and millennial culture.

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