In an effort to boost digital economic capabilities, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy and Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency in Indonesia, advocates for the advancement of "santripreneurs" – entrepreneurs affiliated with Islamic boarding schools. The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has prioritized the development of santripreneurs in the digital sphere through the Santri Digitalpreneur Indonesia program. This program serves as a platform for santris (students of Islamic boarding schools) to enhance their capacities and skills through targeted and effective training sessions. The curriculum covers fundamental topics, discussions, and practical exercises facilitated by competent professionals in the creative and digital fields, including animation. Minister Sandiaga highlighted the collaborative effort with Islamic leaders to uplift santris, aiming to increase the conversion of micro and ultra-micro small and medium enterprises (UMKM) into entrepreneurs. The target is to achieve a 7% conversion rate by 2035 and 12% by 2045, aligning with the goal of having over 7% of the population engaged in entrepreneurship to propel the nation toward developed status.
Recognizing opportunities in tourism and the creative economy, Minister Sandiaga sees great potential for santripreneurs to become proficient entrepreneurs in the future. The Santripreneur Award 2023 event witnessed Vice President Ma'ruf Amin delivering three strategic messages for santripreneur development. He urged santris to capitalize on and enhance their use of digital technology for the growth of Sharia-based entrepreneurship, encouraged continuous learning, skill development, and diversified competencies to adapt to global dynamics and changing trends. The Vice President suggested active participation in digital business incubation programs organized by relevant ministries and agencies. Vice President Ma'ruf also called on santripreneurs to explore, optimize, and develop new entrepreneurial potentials for the benefit of community welfare. He stressed the importance of expanding networks and strengthening collaborations with stakeholders and emphasized the need for synergy, collaboration, and integration between various Santripreneur Indonesia programs and the National Sharia Economy Committee (KNEKS) at the central level and Regional Sharia Economy and Financial Committees (KDEKS) at the local level.
