The Faculty of Philosophy at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) remains committed to fostering a positive and experience-based learning ecosystem for students. This commitment is realized through a cooperation agreement with PT Hari Baik Kita, the owner of the Dua Kerbau brand and café, in managing Archipelago Café as an entrepreneurship laboratory within the Faculty of Philosophy UGM.
The agreement was signed on January 24, 2025, by the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy UGM, Prof. Dr. Rr. Siti Murtiningsih, S.S., M.Hum., and the Director of PT Hari Baik Kita, Krishna Taufani Wijaya. Under this collaboration, Dua Kerbau has been granted the right to manage Archipelago Café, while still involving students as part of the management team.
Beyond handling daily operations, participating students will take part in various training programs, ranging from operational techniques, café management, and marketing to business development. This initiative not only provides students with additional income but also helps them develop essential soft skills and hard skills that will be invaluable as they enter the business world or workforce after graduation.
The Vice Dean for Research, Community Engagement, Collaboration, and Alumni, Dr. Iva Ariani, S.S., M.Hum., emphasized that this partnership is part of the faculty’s efforts to establish strategic collaborations with various stakeholders to support student development.
“We aim to create an off-campus learning ecosystem that provides real-world experiences for students. Through this collaboration, students will not only learn theoretical concepts but also gain hands-on experience in entrepreneurship. This is a concrete step by the Faculty of Philosophy UGM in preparing a resilient, competent young generation ready to face future challenges,” she stated.
The scope of this partnership includes the development of services at Archipelago Café, the facilitation of student entrepreneurship programs, and the mentoring of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with student involvement. Established in 2023 by the Rector of UGM, Archipelago Café is expected to further strengthen the entrepreneurial spirit among students at the Faculty of Philosophy UGM.
“We believe that hands-on experience in managing a business will provide students with deeper insights,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Director of PT Hari Baik Kita, Krishna Taufani Wijaya, welcomed this collaboration and expressed hope that Archipelago Café would become an inspiring learning space for students. This partnership serves as a strategic step in preparing students to be not only academically proficient but also entrepreneurial, with leadership skills and a high level of adaptability in the professional world.