1,173 Students Launch Businesses, Generate Rp 483 Million Revenue

A total of 1,173 high school and vocational students across Indonesia, including West Java, have engaged in entrepreneurship through the student company program. These students established 45 student-run businesses, actively participating in their development and management. They identified market needs, created products and brands, designed marketing strategies, and handled finances, ultimately connecting with customers and investors. Their entrepreneurial efforts yielded a total revenue of Rp 483 million.

Pribadi Setiyanto, Chairman of Prestasi Junior Indonesia, explained that the student company program serves as a learning space for students. It bridges education, business, and professional mentors, offering students experience in building ventures, developing character, leadership, and an entrepreneurial mindset. The program culminates in the Prestasi Junior Indonesia Company of the Year Competition (PJI COY) 2026, showcasing the best student companies emerging from this hands-on learning process.

Setiyanto highlighted that students addressed local challenges by creating solutions that utilize local materials, circular economy principles, and design-based innovation. This spirit was evident in the nine finalist companies of the PJI Company of the Year 2026. Examples include processing banana peels into bio-leather, transforming pineapple leaf fibers into home goods, and developing products from coconut shells, recycled plastic, and natural materials. These innovations added value and met market demands.

The initiative is implemented by Prestasi Junior Indonesia (PJI) through the Zurich Entrepreneurship Program (ZEP) and the Starbucks Creative Youth Entrepreneurship Program (SCYEP). The programs receive support from Zurich Indonesia, Z Zurich Foundation, Starbucks Indonesia, and The Starbucks Foundation.