ITS Chancellor Prof Ir Bambang Pramujati ST MSc Eng PhD (wearing white and blue batik) during the symbolic handover of business capital assistance at the ITS IKA Secretariat Office on the ITS Campus

ITS Campus, ITS News — The Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing benefits to the community. Through the Manarul Ilmi Foundation (YMI) and the ITS Alumni Association (PP IKA), ITS distributed capital assistance in the form of business carts to seven Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Surabaya.

ITS Rector Prof. Ir. Bambang Pramujati, ST, MSc, Eng, PhD, expressed his full support for this program. Bambang stated that this effort demonstrates ITS’s commitment to empowering the local economy. “This way, our presence (ITS) can have a tangible positive impact,” he said.

ITS Chancellor Prof Ir Bambang Pramujati ST MSc Eng PhD (second from right) when handing over the business cart to Mun (third from left), a banana seller in the Gebang area, Surabaya

Meanwhile, Ika Putri Rahma Daniya, Operations Coordinator of YMI ITS, explained that the business capital assistance provided is a form of zakat (alms) distribution from ITS alumni. Prior to distribution, YMI ITS conducted a survey to determine the eligibility of MSMEs who fall into the eight categories (asnaf) for zakat. “We prioritize those who are already selling,” Ika added.

In addition to cash assistance, Ika explained that the provision of food stalls and trading supplies is expected to inspire MSMEs to continue developing their businesses. This will also increase economic independence, which will ultimately improve their standard of living. “So, our assistance won’t just be felt momentarily, but will have a lasting impact on their businesses,” she said hopefully.

ITS Vice Chancellor II Dr Ir Machsus ST MT (third from right) with representatives of YMI and IKA ITS during the handover of the cart assistance to Wiwin (wearing a blue hijab)

The seven recipients of the assistance are MSMEs operating in various areas of Surabaya. These include banana and coffee sellers in the Gebang area, fruit juice, vegetable, and mixed ice sellers in Kejawan Putih Tambak, mixed rice sellers in Keputih Pompa Air, and nasi penyetan sellers in Kebraon. The arrival of the new food carts and equipment is expected to strengthen the MSMEs’ enthusiasm in continuing their daily businesses.

One of the aid recipients, Wiwin, expressed her gratitude for the new business cart she received to sell fruit juice in front of Sakinah Supermarket in Keputih, Surabaya. The Jakarta-based vendor said her business has increased because the cart is cleaner and more attractive to customers. “The new cart is also lighter and easier to move, unlike my old wooden cart,” she said.

One of the representatives of YMI ITS (left) when meeting one of the MSME actors in the Gebang area, Surabaya to conduct a survey

Through this program, Ika, representing YMI ITS and IKA ITS, hopes that the recipients of the capital assistance can improve their standard of living and escape the clutches of poverty. Furthermore, this program, which has been running since 2022, will continue to be a key program in the years to come. “We also hope for support from everyone at ITS,” Ika added.

The distribution of aid to these MSMEs demonstrates ITS’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , specifically point 1, zero poverty, and point 8, decent work and economic growth. This initiative underscores ITS’s role in bringing about positive, sustainable change for the community. (ITS Public Relations)

Reporter: Putu Calista Arthanti Dewi
Translator : Devinka Mutianeira