1.4 Community anti-poverty programmes
Hasanuddin University is strongly committed to supporting the development of local entrepreneurship as part of its efforts to empower communities and promote sustainable development. Through various initiatives, the university actively assists local communities in fostering financially and socially sustainable businesses. This commitment is realized through the provision of education and relevant resources, such as mentorship programs, entrepreneurship training, and the utilization of university facilities for local start-up entrepreneurs.
This commitment is reflected in the strategic role of the Directorate of Business and Technology Incubation and Science Techno Park (IBT-STP), which serves as a bridge between the university, industry, and business sectors to accelerate the downstreaming of research results and intellectual works through business and technology incubation services. Throughout 2024, IBT-STP has carried out various programs, including incubation, pilot plant development, product downstreaming, and the launch of innovative products created by Hasanuddin University’s academic community. Through the pitching battle program in March 2024, out of 30 start-ups, eight were selected: PT. Sitinaja Global Ekspor, (AIOF) Artificial Intelligence Organic Farming, Halo Jiwa Indonesia, SAFETYPEDIA, Djamoer Doeloe, Leafyco Soap, Bakso Reels, and Qindo-Cho. During the incubation period, participants received intensive mentoring from industry practitioners, entrepreneurship experts, and experienced academics, as well as access to laboratories, business networks, and broader markets.
In addition, IBT-STP collaborated with the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises of the Republic of Indonesia and selected 23 start-ups to participate in the Startup Capacity Building Program, which provided mentoring, training, and access to resources for start-ups in the fields of aquaculture, agriculture, green business, and technology. In 2024, a total of six Coaching Clinic sessions were conducted, including Coaching Clinics I–II on 1–2 August 2024, focusing on the Preparation of Cooperation Documents and the Legal Aspects of Business Establishment; Coaching Clinics III–IV on 8–9 August 2024, covering Product Distribution Permit Certification (BPOM and Halal) and Business Protection (Intellectual Property Rights); and Coaching Clinics V–VI on 15–16 August 2024, which discussed Budget Preparation, Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) Calculation, Taxation, and Consultations with Experts Based on Business Fields. Furthermore, one of the IBT-STP incubated start-ups, Agroyasa, was chosen to participate in the Startup Go Global Program facilitated by the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs of the Republic of Indonesia.
IBT-STP also facilitated marketing and promotional activities through participation in exhibitions and Car Free Day events, helping start-ups expand their networks and enhance brand awareness. In collaboration with Save the Children Indonesia, IBT-STP also implemented the Circular Genius for Youth business incubation program at the Tamangapa landfill in Makassar, empowering local youth aged 18–24 to develop green businesses based on the circular economy, where waste is turned into valuable resources. As of August 2024, IBT-STP has successfully commercialized several of Hasanuddin University’s innovative products, demonstrating its vital role in expanding the reach and impact of research-based innovations to the wider market.
Apart from IBT-STP, the Directorate of Student Affairs of Hasanuddin University, through the Sub-Directorate of Student Achievement and Talent Development, also organized two series of Unhas Entrepreneur Camp (UEC) as part of the Student Entrepreneurship Program (PMW). UEC Part 1 in April 2024 focused on addressing challenges in business development, while UEC Part 2 in August 2024 emphasized business licensing and digital marketing to strengthen students’ capacity in building sustainable businesses.
In addition to institutional initiatives, Hasanuddin University students actively contribute to local entrepreneurship development through community engagement programs. One example is the Thematic Community Service Program (KKNT) 108 conducted by Post 8 in Bonto Manai Village, Labakkang District, Pangkep Regency. In this program, students provided business support materials and conducted logo design training to strengthen the identity and competitiveness of local products. This activity represents a concrete form of collaboration between students and the community in fostering an innovative and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem, in line with the spirit of business incubation promoted by Hasanuddin University.
Financial Assistance and Mentorship: Real Support for Sustainable Local Startups
In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1 — No Poverty — empowering local communities through the creation of sustainable businesses is a vital strategy. This commitment is realized through financial assistance and mentoring programs that enable aspiring entrepreneurs from local communities to build ventures that are not only financially viable but also socially impactful.
As part of this mission, Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS) plays a leading role by providing seed funding of IDR 10 million to ten innovative startups developed by its students. This financial support serves as crucial initial capital, transforming creative ideas into tangible businesses ready to grow and compete in the market.
However, financial support alone is not enough. Building resilient and competitive businesses requires strong capacity and skills. Recognizing this, UNHAS established a strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (KemenKopUKM). This partnership resulted in an intensive Startup Bootcamp, specifically designed to strengthen the capacity of 23 selected startups. The program goes beyond theory, offering hands-on training and practical insights to help participants face real market challenges.
This strategic initiative even gained national media attention from Kompas UMKM, which highlighted how the collaboration aimed to enhance startup capacity and competitiveness. The media coverage underscores the importance of creating a comprehensive entrepreneurial ecosystem to foster capable and resilient new business founders.
The spirit of entrepreneurship continues to thrive among UNHAS students. This is evidenced by the growing number of student teams successfully securing competitive funding through the Student Entrepreneur Development Program (P2MW). In 2024, 16 student teams from UNHAS were awarded P2MW grants to realize their innovative business ideas.
This achievement was featured in a UNHAS TV report, which showcased how the university consistently supports and empowers student teams to succeed in national entrepreneurial funding programs. The report — “UNHAS Qualifies 16 Teams for P2MW 2024 Funding” — captures the enthusiasm and determination of these young entrepreneurs as they bring their ideas to life.
Together, these initiatives — from seed funding and capacity-building bootcamps to competitive grant programs — represent a holistic approach to entrepreneurship development. Rather than focusing solely on financial assistance, UNHAS builds a strong foundation for the long-term growth and sustainability of local businesses. Each successful startup not only creates employment for its founders but also contributes directly to breaking the cycle of poverty within its community, advancing the vision of a more prosperous and self-reliant society.
Access to Services Programs: Enhancing Community Welfare and Self-Reliance through Innovation and Training
As a higher education institution deeply committed to sustainable development, Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS) consistently implements a wide range of training programs, mentoring initiatives, and community partnerships aimed at expanding public access to essential services—ranging from education and health to economic empowerment. Through interdisciplinary engagement, UNHAS strives to ensure that communities, particularly those in rural areas and low-income groups, have equal opportunities to improve their quality of life.
One concrete example of this commitment can be seen in the community service initiative “KKN UNHAS Trains Residents to Produce Briquettes and Compost Fertilizer from Agricultural Waste.” In this program, UNHAS students work directly with local residents, providing hands-on training on how to turn agricultural waste into renewable energy sources and eco-friendly fertilizers. This initiative not only helps reduce organic waste but also opens up new economic opportunities for villagers through the production and sale of briquettes and compost with commercial value.
In addition, lecturers and students from the Faculty of Agriculture play an active role in improving local agricultural productivity. Through the Proliga program aimed at increasing chili farmers’ productivity, UNHAS supports farmers in adopting modern cultivation techniques and efficient post-harvest management. These efforts directly contribute to improving farmers’ income and strengthening food security across South Sulawesi.
In the area of economics and entrepreneurship, UNHAS has also established a strategic partnership with the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) through the Partnership Extension Program for Monitoring Fair Business Practices among MSMEs. This initiative aims to protect small business owners and ensure a fair, competitive business environment—thereby fostering a more inclusive and equitable local economy.
From the perspective of education and digital literacy, UNHAS continues to expand access to academic resources by re-subscribing to the EBSCOHost e-journal platform and conducting university-wide socialization sessions. This ensures that all students and faculty members have unrestricted access to global research databases, empowering them to improve the quality of their academic work and research outcomes.
UNHAS also places strong emphasis on equitable access to education and student welfare. Through the Special Tuition Assistance Unit for New Students 2024, along with dedicated help desks and hotlines, the university ensures that all students can continue their studies without being hindered by financial difficulties. This initiative reflects UNHAS’s deep commitment to inclusivity and educational equity.
In the field of healthcare, the UNHAS Teaching Hospital (RSP UNHAS) regularly conducts basic training and orientation programs for new medical staff, thereby enhancing the quality of healthcare services within the university and surrounding communities. Similarly, the UNHAS Dental and Oral Hospital (RSGMP) carries out its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative titled “Program Peduli” (Care Program), demonstrating the university’s social concern and contribution to community welfare.
To promote economic independence, the Business Incubation and Science Techno Park (IBT-STP UNHAS), in collaboration with Save the Children Indonesia, runs an empowerment program for youth at the Tamangapa landfill (TPA). This initiative helps marginalized young people develop entrepreneurial skills, turning them into independent business owners while fostering a socially innovative local economy.
UNHAS’s commitment to expanding access to essential services also extends to the regional government level. In partnership with the Provincial Government of West Sulawesi, the university supports the “1,000 Scholarships Program” for civil servants and the general public. This initiative aims to improve access to higher education and strengthen human resource development in Eastern Indonesia.
Hasanuddin University, through its Legal Consultation and Aid Center (PKBH), provides legal consultation and assistance services for all members of the academic community and actively promotes legal awareness through activities such as focus group discussions (FGDs), sharing sessions, and PKBH Info publications. In 2024, PKBH held an FGD on Joint Mitigation in Business Management and Asset Utilization, as well as sharing sessions on Land Management Rights and Serious Human Rights Violations in Indonesia. In addition, PKBH Info disseminated legal education materials covering topics such as the concepts of diversion and justice collaborator, and the Constitutional Court’s authority. These activities reflect Unhas’ strong commitment to enhancing legal literacy and awareness within the university community.
Through these diverse and impactful initiatives—spanning education, health, entrepreneurship, legal, and community empowerment—Universitas Hasanuddin continues to serve as a driving force for inclusive growth and sustainable development. By promoting access, innovation, and self-reliance, UNHAS helps communities move toward a future that is more prosperous, independent, and socially resilient.
Poverty Alleviation Policy: The Role of Universitas Hasanuddin in Shaping Strategies to End Poverty in All Its Forms
Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS) continues to strengthen its commitment to supporting national and global efforts to eradicate poverty through research, policy engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. As a leading academic institution rooted in Eastern Indonesia, UNHAS plays an active role in the formulation and analysis of public policies at the local, regional, and national levels—particularly in the fields of socio-economic development, labor, and sustainable growth.
One of the most tangible examples of this contribution can be seen in the participation of UNHAS leadership in strategic policy forums, such as the Preparatory Meeting for the Determination of the 2025 Minimum Wage, attended by university representative Jayadi Nas. In this forum, UNHAS academics provided data-driven insights on fair wage policy for workers in South Sulawesi. This engagement reflects the university’s active role in shaping labor policies aimed at reducing economic inequality and improving the welfare of the working class.
Beyond labor policy, UNHAS has also contributed to research and policy development focused on improving the welfare of coastal communities, which often represent some of the most economically vulnerable groups in Indonesia. Through collaboration with The Partnership for Australia–Indonesia Research (PAIR), UNHAS participated in socio-economic analysis presented in the article “Tackling Poverty in Coastal Communities.” The study highlights the structural challenges of poverty in coastal regions and proposes evidence-based approaches to enhance livelihoods and promote sustainable economic resilience.
In the realm of human capital development, the DWDG ShARE UNHAS Program serves as a platform for nurturing young leaders with strong social vision and strategic capabilities to address poverty-related issues. The program integrates leadership training, critical thinking development, and policy analysis skills—empowering students to become change agents capable of crafting innovative solutions to complex socio-economic challenges.
UNHAS also strengthens its research and policy collaboration with international partners through initiatives such as the UNHAS–Australia–Indonesia Centre (AIC) Forum on Research Strengthening in Sulawesi. This dialogue explores strategies for advancing multidisciplinary research, particularly in social and economic development, which are closely tied to poverty alleviation efforts across the Sulawesi region. The initiative underscores how academic research can serve as a foundation for the creation of public policies grounded in social justice and aimed at improving community well-being.
Through these interconnected initiatives—ranging from labor policy advocacy and community-focused research to leadership development and international collaboration—Universitas Hasanuddin continues to play a pivotal role in advancing poverty eradication efforts. By aligning its academic and research endeavors with sustainable development priorities, UNHAS demonstrates that universities are not merely centers of learning, but also engines of equitable and inclusive transformation.