The implementation of the legal counseling grant regarding the certification of risk-based business activities as an effort to strengthen community welfare in Kapanewon Depok, Sleman, is a tangible form of Universitas Gadjah Mada's (UGM) dedication to society. UGM, as one of the leading universities in Indonesia, consistently demonstrates its commitment to educating and empowering communities through various educational and social programs. One manifestation of this commitment is the legal counseling activities organized by UGM's Faculty of Law in various areas of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), including Kapanewon Depok, Sleman, on (23/9/2024).
The event was led by Dwi Haryati, S.H., M.H., a lecturer from the Department of Administrative Law, Faculty of Law UGM. She was accompanied by Rizky Septiana Widyaningtyas, S.H., M.H., also from the Department of Administrative Law, and Rr. Moza Adzani Paradhiva, a student from the same department. Together, they formed a team responsible for providing counseling on risk-based business certification to the local community.
According to Dwi Haryati, this visit was part of the implementation of the Legal Counseling Grant Program for Lecturers, initiated by the Legal Consultation and Assistance Center (PKBH) of the Faculty of Law UGM. The program was designed to provide legal knowledge to the public, particularly regarding business and entrepreneurship. The theme for this occasion was "Strengthening Community Welfare in Kapanewon Depok, Sleman through Risk-Based Business Activity Certification." This theme aligns with SDG number 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Risk-based business certification is an essential procedure for business owners, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), to ensure that their business activities meet safety and sustainability standards. During the counseling session, the UGM team emphasized the importance of business certification to protect business owners from potential legal issues in the future. Moreover, this certification is expected to enhance the credibility of the businesses and expand business opportunities for MSMEs, especially in facing the challenges of globalization and increasingly competitive markets.
The counseling session not only focused on the legal aspects but also on the technical aspects of how to apply for risk-based business certification. This process involves several stages that need to be understood by business owners, from preparing documents, submitting applications, to meeting the requirements set by the government. With a thorough understanding of these procedures, MSME actors in Kapanewon Depok, Sleman, are expected to comply with existing regulations and improve their business competitiveness in both local and national markets.
The collaboration between UGM and Kapanewon Depok, Sleman, was enthusiastically welcomed by the local government. They appreciated this initiative and provided full support for the success of the program. One form of this support was the participation of local MSME entrepreneurs as the primary audience of the counseling session. This aligns with the main goal of the session, which was to increase entrepreneurs' understanding of the importance of risk-based business certification and its impact on improving overall community welfare.
The participants of the counseling session were highly enthusiastic about the information presented by the UGM team. They actively asked questions about various aspects of the certification procedure, the benefits obtained after receiving certification, and the challenges they might face during the application process. The counseling team provided comprehensive answers and practical solutions that the business owners could apply to overcome these challenges.
In closing, Mrs. Dwi Haryati expressed her hope that such counseling activities would continue in the future, so that more business owners could understand the importance of risk-based business certification. Additionally, she hoped that this activity would make a real contribution to improving the welfare of the community, especially in Kapanewon Depok, Sleman, as well as in other areas targeted by UGM’s community service programs.
With programs like this legal counseling grant, UGM further strengthens its role as a university not only focused on the development of knowledge but also actively involved in empowering communities through educational activities that are beneficial and sustainable.
Author: Rr. Moza Adzani Paradhiva
Editor: PR
