UMS FEB Explores International Collaboration and Promotes Ecoprint Batik in Japan

The academic visit by the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) to Japan yielded more than just an exchange of scholarly ideas with Nagoya University academics. It also opened broader international cooperation opportunities through a meeting with the Indonesian Students Association in Japan (PPI Japan).

FEB UMS Dean Prof. Dr. Muzakar Isa, S.E., M.Si., revealed that during the agenda, the FEB UMS team held discussions with PPI Japan representative Bomby on various collaboration opportunities that could support campus internationalization while strengthening the promotion of Indonesian culture on the global stage. One topic of particular interest was the strategy for branding Indonesian tourist destinations to make them better known to international audiences, especially in Japan.

"The meeting was dynamic, discussing the role of Indonesian students studying abroad as cultural ambassadors and agents for promoting the potential of Indonesian regions. Beyond tourism promotion, the discussion also highlighted various scholarship opportunities and international programs available at Nagoya University for Indonesian students," he said on Wednesday (10/6/2026).

The collaboration is hoped to open broader international access for UMS students while strengthening global networks in education, culture, and human resource development.

Beyond building ties with PPI Japan, FEB UMS also introduced a study on Indonesian batik small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to Nagoya University academics. The study drew the interest of Nagoya University academics as it addresses community economic empowerment through the development of culture-based creative businesses.

The FEB UMS Dean explained that the primary purpose of bringing the batik SME study to an international academic forum was to introduce the research findings and community empowerment practices developed in Indonesia to the global academic community.

"Batik is not only a national cultural heritage but also plays a strategic role in strengthening community economies through the creative economy sector. We want to show how innovation, community empowerment, and culture-based entrepreneurship development can serve as an inclusive and sustainable economic development model," the FEB UMS Dean said.

Through discussions with Nagoya University academics, FEB UMS gained various inputs that enriched research perspectives, particularly regarding sustainable economic development and SME growth in the global era. The meeting also served as a means of strengthening international academic networks while opening cross-country collaboration opportunities.

From an internationalization standpoint, the activity is considered to support the enhancement of FEB UMS's academic reputation through opportunities for joint scientific publications, lecturer and student exchange, and the development of internationally standardized academic programs.

"Going forward, a number of collaboration opportunities are the focus of follow-up between both institutions, including research collaboration on SME development, creative economy, and sustainable development, the preparation of international scientific publications, the holding of joint seminars and guest lectures, and the exploration of academic exchange programs," Muzakar Isa added.

Meanwhile, FEB UMS Vice Dean I for Academic Affairs, Aflit Nuryulia Praswati, S.E., M.M., revealed that one of the studies that drew attention at the forum was the development of Ecoprint Batik. This research is considered to reflect UMS's commitment to supporting sustainable development through the use of natural materials and production processes that are more environmentally friendly compared to the use of synthetic dyes.

"The batik SME study developed by FEB UMS focuses on improving the competitiveness of business players through product innovation, digital marketing, human resource capacity building, and the development of sustainable business models. The research findings not only contribute academically but also produce practical recommendations that can be applied by SME players," she explained.

Notably, this Ecoprint Batik community empowerment program received funding support from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) through the Regional Featured Product Business Partner Empowerment Grant Program (PM-UPUD).

"In its implementation, FEB UMS collaborates with a multidisciplinary team of lecturers from various fields of expertise, including digital business, management, mechanical engineering, and biology education. This collaboration allows the development of Ecoprint Batik SMEs to be carried out more comprehensively, from product innovation and production technology, sustainable use of natural resources, strengthening of digital marketing strategies, to improving managerial capacity and business competitiveness," Aflit explained.

Through this multidisciplinary approach, she hopes the empowerment program being run will deliver sustainable impact for SME growth while strengthening community economies based on local potential.

"With the communication established with Nagoya University academics and PPI Japan, FEB UMS is optimistic that it can expand international collaboration that has a real impact on the development of education, research, and community empowerment in the future," she concluded.

Writer: Fika Annisa Sholihah

Editor: Maysali Sudarwati

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid