Depok-The Universitas Indonesia (UI) Vocational Education Program, with full support from the Indonesian Government, has launched a living laboratory to strengthen the tourism and creative economy ecosystem in Indonesia.
Living Lab by Creative Lab UI was established as an innovation platform under the Creative Business study program of the UI Vocational Education Program, which focuses on collaboration between academics, industry, and the community.
Through this laboratory that integrates research and innovation, UI students not only learn to face real challenges, but also help encourage the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the development of the national creative economy.
The living lab program is specifically designed for 7th-semester students of the UI Vocational Creative Business study program, which not only provides work practice but also provides real-world learning experiences.
Through this laboratory, students can directly interact, collaborate, and innovate with MSME partners. The Living Lab by Creative Lab UI is also part of UI’s long-term strategy to strengthen the role of vocational education. Through this laboratory, UI vocational students are trained to hone their critical and creative thinking skills, while also focusing on solutions that have a real impact on society. The presence of the Living Lab by Creative Lab UI is also supported by creative economy stakeholders in Indonesia.
“Living Lab is a bridge that connects academic knowledge with real-world challenges in the business world. We want students to learn not only from theory but also from direct experience; so that the solutions they offer are truly impactful, relevant, and applicable. This goal aligns with UI’s goal of Excellence, Impactful, for Indonesia,” said Padang Wicaksono, S.E., Ph.D, Director of the UI Vocational Education Program.
Padang also emphasized that the living lab is not just about academic programs, but also about life experiences that will shape the students’ character.
(Photo: Hadining Kusumastuti, S.Sos., M.Ak., Head of the Creative Business Study Program, explaining about the living lab built by the Creative Business study program)
The launch of the Living Lab by Creative Lab UI received full support from the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf), the West Java Provincial Tourism and Culture Office, the Depok City Government, and several MSME partners. This demonstrates that synergy between universities, the government, and the business world is key to strengthening Indonesia’s tourism and creative economy ecosystem.
The Assistant for Economic Affairs and Development of the Regional Secretariat of the Depok City Government, Muhammad Fitriawan, expressed his support for the Living Lab by Creative Lab UI and the development of the creative economy in Depok City.
“Depok is a city with significant potential in the creative economy. The presence of UI Vocational, along with MSMEs, will be a catalyst for creative economic growth,” said Fitriawan.
This statement echoes that of Cecep Rukendi, Deputy for Strategic Development of the Creative Economy at the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. He praised the launch of the laboratory as a tangible form of collaboration between the central government, regional governments, and the education sector.
“Hopefully, this program can continue the incubation of Depok City’s MSMEs to advance, penetrate the international market, and contribute to economic growth and the creation of quality jobs. I also hope the campus can continue to be an enabler in the creative economy ecosystem so that this sector can thrive locally and become a new engine of national economic growth,” said Cecep.
In the series of events, a joint commitment was also signed regarding the synergy of education, research, and community service programs in the field of tourism and the creative economy by the Head of the West Java Province Tourism and Culture Office, Dr. Iendra Sofyan, S.T., M.Si. and the Director of the UI Vocational Education Program, Padang Wicaksono, S.E., Ph.D.
Next, Dr. Iendra Sofyan, S.T., M.Si., delivered a public lecture titled “Tourism and the Creative Economy Based on Innovation and Entrepreneurship.” Iendra explained that creative businesses contribute to product and service innovation, while tourism provides a significant platform for that creativity to grow. The collaboration between the two is believed to be a crucial driver in driving the creative economy in Depok, West Java, and Indonesia.
(Photo: Iendra explained that the tourism industry and creative businesses play a big role in driving the Indonesian economy)
“West Java is rich in tourism potential and creative products. The presence of students through the living lab will enrich local innovation and add value to the destination’s appeal,” explained Iendra.
At the event, the Living Lab by Creative Lab UI partnered with 24 MSMEs from various sectors, including crafts, culinary arts, wellness, fashion, and performing arts. Additionally, 11 independent businesses owned by Creative Business students were developed within the living lab program.
