On Friday, January 27, 2023, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta held a Zoom Meeting session to socialize the Student Skill Internship Program (Magang Belajar Kemahiran Mahasiswa or MBKM). The aim of this socialization was to introduce the Certificate-based Independent Study Program called "Be a Digital Exporter" (SIBADE).

SIBADE is a learning initiative designed for students from all over Indonesia to conduct learning activities beyond the campus. The program focuses on practical learning that incorporates digital technology advancements to train students to become exporters capable of supporting local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Prof. Dr. Ir. Ahmad Yunus, M.S., Vice Rector of UNS for Academic and Student Affairs, emphasized in his opening remarks that this socialization plays a crucial role in providing participants with knowledge about the concept of export schools.

He stressed, "This activity is very important, especially as the mission of the export school is to create new exporters in Indonesia skilled in leveraging digital business. This aligns with the government's goal to achieve a target of 500,000 new exporters by 2030, as announced by the Minister of Trade and the Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs of the Republic of Indonesia on February 17, 2021. This is also a step towards Indonesia's aspiration to be among the world's top five economies by 2045."

Prof. Yunus affirmed that the role of exporters significantly impacts Indonesia's economic growth. Therefore, involvement in the export field holds significant meaning in aiding the country in developing market networks and expanding product reach overseas.

The event then featured Suca, the Academic Manager of the SIBADE Program, who delivered a presentation on the concept of "Be a Digital Exporter." She explained that participants of this program will undergo an integrated approach to develop the attitudes, skills, and knowledge required to become professionals in the field of export-import, serve as facilitators for MSMEs interested in exporting, and become exporters themselves.

Suca explained, "This program aims to connect participants with the potential of local export products and equip them with knowledge about global market access. Participants are expected to develop export products and utilize market access both domestically and internationally through national or global trading platforms. The developed export products can include self-designed creations or rebranded products from MSMEs, with branding and packaging designed by the students."

In summary, the event reflects UNS's efforts in introducing the SIBADE program, which aims to produce new exporters who are proficient in harnessing digital technology and contributing to Indonesia's economic growth.