As Batam is in the Special Economic Zone, it is not doubted that the younger generation as entrepreneurs can rapidly develop
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice-Rector IV of Riau Islands University Sri Langgeng Ratnasari has encouraged students of Batam City to become digital entrepreneurs to support Batam's push to emerge as the first e-commerce center in Indonesia.

"After graduation, students are expected not to find a job, but to create jobs. How do you do that? Be entrepreneurs, and explore the potential of local micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs)," Ratnasari said at a webinar, accessed here on Wednesday.

To successfully create jobs and pioneer businesses, entrepreneurial students need to be technology-savvy and use digital applications to build a functioning business, she added.

Students can make use of digital financing applications or other financial technology apps to start a business, if their business needs working capital, she advised.

“As Batam is in the Special Economic Zone, it is not doubted that the younger generation as entrepreneurs can rapidly develop,” she highlighted.

"Infrastructure support and Batam's privilege in economic development is great for the local youth if they can benefit from the business opportunities, especially in the popularity of e-commerce and fintech. Therefore, the young generation should be prepared to take advantage of the momentum and further support Batam City's readiness as a national e-commerce center," Ratnasari emphasized.

Batam is a city that has tended to have stable economic growth even amid the pandemic. Several technology and digital development facilities have been established in the region to complement Batam's e-commerce ecosystem, she said.

The facilities and infrastructure include Batam Aero Technic, Nongsa Digital Park IT Hub, Batuampar port, and Hang Nadim Airport, she added.

The decision to accelerate Batam's development as an e-commerce center was taken after a 2020 survey conducted by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), which showed digital financial literacy in Batam has reached more than 40 percent, higher than the national average of 38 percent, she said.

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Translator: Livia K, Kenzu T
Editor: Sri Haryati
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