Peran Mahasiswa sebagai Agent of Change dalam Pemberdayaan Ekonomi pada Masyarakat di Universitas Jenderal Soedirman
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21009/EIPS.010.1.04Keywords:
agent of change, economic empowerment, SMEs, students, local economyAbstract
This study aims to analyze the role of students in empowering the local economy through their interactions with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) around Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed). The research employed a descriptive qualitative approach conducted in the Grendeng and Jalan Kampus areas, Purwokerto. Data were collected through observation, documentation, and in-depth interviews involving 20 informants consisting of 5 MSME owners and 15 students selected using purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using the stages of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, while data validity was ensured through source triangulation. The findings indicate that students play an important role as consumers, digital promoters, innovators, and informal collaboration partners for local MSMEs. Student activities contribute to increased market demand, business income, digital payment adoption, service innovation, product development, and business branding. However, the high dependence of MSMEs on student activities also creates income fluctuations during academic breaks. These findings demonstrate that students function not only as consumers but also as catalysts for local economic empowerment. Therefore, stronger collaboration among universities, students, and MSMEs is needed to build a sustainable and inclusive local economic empowerment ecosystem.
Abstrak
Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis peran mahasiswa dalam pemberdayaan ekonomi lokal melalui interaksi mereka dengan usaha mikro, kecil, dan menengah (UMKM) di sekitar Universitas Jenderal Soedirman (Unsoed). Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif yang dilaksanakan di wilayah Grendeng dan Jalan Kampus, Purwokerto. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, dokumentasi, dan wawancara mendalam yang melibatkan 20 informan, terdiri atas 5 pemilik UMKM dan 15 mahasiswa yang dipilih menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Data dianalisis melalui tahapan reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan, sedangkan keabsahan data dijamin melalui triangulasi sumber. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa mahasiswa memiliki peran penting sebagai konsumen, promotor digital, inovator, dan mitra kolaborasi informal bagi UMKM lokal. Aktivitas mahasiswa berkontribusi terhadap peningkatan permintaan pasar, pendapatan usaha, adopsi pembayaran digital, inovasi layanan, pengembangan produk, dan pencitraan usaha. Namun, tingginya ketergantungan UMKM terhadap aktivitas mahasiswa juga menyebabkan fluktuasi pendapatan selama masa libur akademik. Temuan ini menunjukkan bahwa mahasiswa tidak hanya berfungsi sebagai konsumen, tetapi juga sebagai katalisator pemberdayaan ekonomi lokal. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan kolaborasi yang lebih kuat antara perguruan tinggi, mahasiswa, dan UMKM untuk membangun ekosistem pemberdayaan ekonomi lokal yang berkelanjutan dan inklusif.
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