KAGAMA Bantuan Hukum (an alumni-run legal aid association), in collaboration with FH UGM, signed a Cooperation MoU followed by a National Seminar titled "Legal and Business Perspectives on Improving the Competitiveness of MSMEs and Start-ups," held on Monday, November 21, 2022. The theme reflected an issue of current interest to legal observers.
Before the seminar began, a Memorandum of Understanding on Legal Aid and Advocacy was signed between KAGAMA Bantuan Hukum and FH UGM. The MoU was signed directly by the Chair of KAGAMA Bantuan Hukum, Romulo Silaen, S.H., M.H., and its Secretary, Bobby R. Manalu, S.H., M.H., witnessed by the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Cooperation, Adrianto Dwi Nugroho, S.H., Adv.LLM., LL.D.
The event was then opened with remarks and a ceremonial gong strike by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Information Systems, Dr. Heribertus Jaka Triyana, S.H., LL.M., M.A., representing the FH UGM Dean. Remarks were also given by the Head of the Seminar Organizing Committee, Bhirawa J. Arifi, S.H., LL.M., and by Romulo Silaen as Chair of KAGAMA Bantuan Hukum.
In his remarks, Romulo explained that the choice of MSMEs and start-ups as the seminar's theme stemmed from a desire to create a broad societal impact. He noted that MSMEs hold enormous potential as a pillar of the economy, but that legal awareness among business owners remains, unfortunately, low.
"We think this start-up theme is very beneficial because with the rapid expansion of technology today, many start-ups are emerging, but quite a few are also failing. Therefore, we will explore it thoroughly in today's event with speakers who are capable in their respective fields," explained Ramulo. He also hopes that from this event, participants can receive guidance in building a business so that when they want to establish a start-up, they will know what to do. "Ideas are indeed important, but legal protection for them is no less important," added Ramulo.
General Chairman of PP KAGAMA, H. Ganjar Pranowo, S.H., M.I.P., also offered his congratulations on the signing of the MoU between KAGAMA Legal Aid and the Faculty of Law UGM via video. "Hopefully, this MoU can improve the quality of legal aid to achieve fair law enforcement that is open to all," said Ganjar.
National Seminar and Discussion
The seminar was moderated by Chitto Cumbhadrika, S.H., S.I.P., M.H., C.L.A. (Founding Partner, Chitto Cumbhadrika & Lawyers) and Mandela Sinaga, S.H., M.H. (Founding Partner, Surya Mandela & Partners), both members of KAGAMA Bantuan Hukum.
The first presentation came from Prof. Dr. Nindyo Pramono, S.H., M.S., Founding Partner of Nindyo & Associate Attorneys at Law and Capital Market Consultants, and Professor of Business Law at FH UGM. He spoke about the importance of a solid legal framework for improving the competitiveness of MSMEs and start-ups.
The second speaker, Sony Rachmadi Purnomo, Director of PT Global Sukses Solusi Tbk-RUNS, shared his experience building his business and securing investment from global investors.
The third speaker, Fiter Bagus Cahyono, Co-Founder of Innovesia, outlined seven key factors for building a start-up: having a strong, validated value proposition through product-market fit; understanding investors' perspective; treating customers as a core asset; using reliable data to spot market potential; having founders with a solid profit mindset supportive of the business; building sound business fundamentals; and addressing legal compliance early on.
The final speaker, Annisaa Sondakh, Legal Manager at MDI Ventures, explained the process and criteria start-ups need to meet to secure venture capital investment. She said business owners, to attract investors, need to sell the dream and fundraise. He added that running a business isn't just about profit; it also needs to be financially healthy.
Following the presentations, participants engaged in discussion with the speakers, using the opportunity to raise real cases and challenges encountered when building a business.
The event closed with a demo of an application developed through the collaboration between KAGAMA Bantuan Hukum and Innovesia. Its main features include legal education via social media, publication of legal aid activities, direct access to legal consultation, and consultation scheduling.
