Inauguration of AMANAH Building as Implementation of President Jokowi’s Vision to Realize Collaboration and Innovation of Aceh Youth
By: Adrian Ramadhan Saleh )*
The inauguration of the Central Building of Aneuk Muda Aceh Unggul dan Hebat (AMANAH) has marked an important milestone in the efforts to empower youth and improve the economy in Aceh. With full support from the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), this building is designed to be a new home for Acehnese youth in developing their potential in various fields, especially in the technology and entrepreneurship sectors. This is a strategic step by President Jokowi which not only aims to facilitate skills development, but also to encourage sustainable and comprehensive economic growth in the region.
Acting Regent of Aceh Besar, Muhammad Iswanto, said that the construction of the AMANAH Building aims to advance youth independence. He explained that the completion of the construction of this building is targeted to be completed in July. Currently, the construction team has completed the construction process and building structure, where this building is equipped with nine functional areas, including a multifunctional building, main building, male and female dormitories, prayer rooms, distilleries, and water storage facilities. All of these facilities are designed to support various activities that will be carried out by young people in Aceh.
Muhammad Iswanto hopes that the AMANAH Building can function as an effective training place to improve the independence, competence, and professionalism of young people. In his view, it is very important for young people to be equipped with skills in managing and marketing products digitally and utilizing technological developments in developing their businesses. This is important, especially in today’s digital era, where the ability to adapt to technology is one of the keys to success in the business world.
In addition, AMANAH Building also serves as a center for collaboration between various stakeholders, including the government, educational institutions, and the private sector, all of which synergize to empower youth. With complete facilities and support from various parties, AMANAH Building is expected to create a conducive environment for youth to develop creative and innovative ideas that can contribute to the local economy.
One of the concrete steps in an effort to increase youth involvement in the world of entrepreneurship is a seminar organized by Malikussaleh University (Unimal) in collaboration with the Aceh Unggul Hebat Youth Institute (AMANAH). The seminar themed “Students as the Driving Force of MSMEs: From Ideas to Implementation” held in the Hall of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIPOL) Bukit Indah Campus, Lhokseumawe, aims to encourage students to be more actively involved in the world of entrepreneurship, especially in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector.
The Head of the Student Executive Board (BEM) FISIPOL Unimal, Zulhery, emphasized the importance of synergy between BEM and the AMANAH Institute in supporting the development of student potential. He said that BEM is committed to continuing to facilitate activities that build student potential and skills, especially in the MSME sector which is considered the backbone of the nation’s economy. Zulhery also expressed his hope that the seminar could broaden students’ horizons regarding the strategic roles they can take in developing MSMEs in Aceh. That way, students are expected to be the main drivers in strengthening the local economy.
Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences Unimal, Teuku Zulkarnaen, Ph.D, represented by the Vice Dean for Student Affairs and Alumni, Subhani, M.Si, emphasized that students have an important role as agents of change in society. Subhani expressed his hope that through this seminar, students will not only be able to create creative ideas, but also be able to implement them to build strong and competitive MSMEs. He added that this seminar activity is expected to motivate students to be more courageous in taking concrete steps in developing entrepreneurial ideas.
The synergy between students, universities, and institutions such as AMANAH is expected to strengthen the MSME ecosystem in Aceh. With solid collaboration, it is expected to provide a greater contribution to the regional and national economy. In addition, the AMANAH Building also functions as a gathering place for young people to exchange ideas, build networks, and explore their potential in the business world.
The AMANAH building not only functions as a physical infrastructure, but also as a symbol of hope and commitment to building a better future for Aceh’s youth. Through various programs and trainings that will be held, the younger generation is expected to be able to take advantage of existing opportunities to become independent and competitive entrepreneurs. The initiatives carried out at the AMANAH building will help create a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem in Aceh, thus providing a broad positive impact on society.
Ultimately, the existence of the AMANAH Building is expected to be a catalyst to transform the challenges faced by Acehnese youth into opportunities. With various supports and collaborations, the young generation of Aceh has the opportunity to become active players in the economy, while also participating in regional development. This is the time for Acehnese youth to innovate, collaborate, and build a brighter future for themselves and for the wider community.
)* Aceh Sharia Business Incubation Center
