Universitas Gadjah Mada, Kementerian Perdagangan Republik Indonesia, and Google (Gemini) Collaborate to Strengthen MSMEs for Export Expansion
Universitas Gadjah Mada, through its Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas (GIK), officially signed a cooperation agreement with the Directorate General of National Export Development under the Kementerian Perdagangan Republik Indonesia. The signing was witnessed directly by Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) UGM on Friday (May 23), in conjunction with the Gemini Academy training program.
Minister Budi Santoso emphasized the importance of innovation and adaptability for MSMEs to compete in export markets. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding market access through international trade agreements. “We hope that university graduates will not only seek jobs but also create jobs by becoming entrepreneurs,” he stated.
UGM’s Vice Rector for Education and Teaching, Wening Udasmoro, welcomed the collaboration as a concrete step to enhance technological literacy, particularly in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), among academics, students, practitioners, and MSMEs. She highlighted that ethical and inclusive AI adoption could become a powerful driver of MSME transformation.
Meanwhile, Isya Hanum Kresnadi, Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager at Google Indonesia, explained that the Gemini AI training aims to help MSMEs discover AI as both an assistant and a brainstorming partner to boost creativity. She added that Google’s mission is to make information and technology accessible and beneficial for everyone, including MSME actors and students.
The Gemini Academy is a training initiative by Google designed to introduce the use of Gemini AI across various sectors, including MSMEs. In the export context, the program provides practical guidance to help MSMEs better prepare for global market challenges through technology-driven innovation.
In addition to the training sessions, the event also featured practitioners who have successfully entered export markets, including Nissa Khoirina from Puthic.id, Dewi Harlas, and Faih Reza Monoarta. They shared practical insights and strategies on developing export-ready products with the participants.
This collaboration aligns with the spirit of Universitas Gadjah Mada as a people-centered, independent, and sustainable university committed to delivering real solutions for society. By strengthening MSME capacity, UGM not only empowers local businesses but also contributes to advancing Indonesia’s economic sustainability on a global scale.
