Unismuh Makassar Explores BPDP Collaboration for Young Plantation Entrepreneurs

UNISMUH.AC.ID, MAKASSAR — Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unismuh) Makassar participated in an outreach and socialization program for The Plantationpreneurs Festival 2026, organized by the Estate Crop Fund Management Agency (BPDP) of the Ministry of Finance online via Zoom, on Monday, July 13, 2026.

The program, themed “Planting Innovation, Fostering Young Entrepreneurs for the Future,” brought together BPDP and several universities to discuss the development of student entrepreneurship based on plantation commodities.

The Unismuh Makassar delegation was led by Vice Rector I, Prof. Andi Sukri Syamsuri, affectionately known as Prof. Andis. Also present were the Head of the Institute for Research, Development, and Community Service (LP3M) Unismuh, Dr. Muh. Arief Muhsin, and the leadership of the Unismuh Faculty of Agriculture.

The outreach was also attended by representatives from several universities in Makassar and various regions across Indonesia. This forum served as an initial platform to build collaboration between BPDP and higher education institutions in fostering young entrepreneurs based on plantation products.

In his presentation, Fery Taryana, a representative from BPDP's Directorate of Legal Affairs and Cooperation, explained that the Plantationpreneurs Festival 2026 focuses on developing products based on three commodities: coconut, palm oil, and cocoa.

The proposed products do not have to exclusively use one of these commodities. Innovative products that utilize coconut, palm oil, or cocoa as one of their mixed ingredients can also be included.

“We hope for innovation. Usually, universities produce entrepreneurial innovations or research findings. Regarding the marketing process, licensing, and so on, incubation will be carried out first,” said Fery.

Open to Student Ideas and Businesses

This program is open to students who already have businesses, as well as those who only have products resulting from practicums, research, or business ideas. BPDP will collaborate with the SME Center of Universitas Indonesia to provide guidance on preparing business proposals.

“Those who already have a business or want to develop a business are welcome. Before screening, participants will be assisted in understanding the stages and preparation of business proposals,” Fery explained.

Each university is given the opportunity to send a maximum of 10 teams. Each team submits one business proposal and can be formed through collaboration among students from different study programs or faculties.

During the discussion session, the Head of LP3M Unismuh, Dr. Muh. Arief Muhsin, presented the potential products and commodities developed within the Unismuh Faculty of Agriculture. He also inquired about the possibility of innovations based on candlenut to be collaborated with the program's main commodities.

BPDP explained that products based on other commodities can still be submitted if they contain elements or mixed ingredients from coconut, palm oil, or cocoa. One example is candlenut oil combined with virgin coconut oil or VCO from coconut.

“So, there must be innovation, right, Sir?” asked Dr. Muh. Arief during the discussion. This question received confirmation from BPDP that product creativity and innovation are key elements of the program.

Makassar Becomes the First Location

The program is planned to proceed in several stages. After the official launch, participants will undergo socialization, proposal preparation, screening, mentoring, and online selection.

The first offline festival is scheduled to take place in Makassar at the end of August 2026. Similar activities will then continue in Medan in September and the Jabodetabek area in October 2026.

Teams that pass the selection will participate in a bazaar and festival to market their products directly. Evaluation will not only be based on product innovation but also on sales transactions, service, business accountability, and visitor ratings.

BPDP will also designate a number of top teams to receive trophies and prize money. Technical provisions, schedule, terms of reference, and business proposal format will be communicated to universities after the official launch of the program.

Unismuh's participation in this outreach opens opportunities for collaboration in developing student research findings and innovations into economically valuable products. This program also aligns with the university's efforts to encourage research downstreaming, entrepreneurship development, and strengthening student contributions to the development of the plantation sector.