APINDO Strengthens Blue Economy MSME Development and Education Partnerships in North Maluku
Monday, 26 October 2026
TERNATE, October 26, 2026 — The Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO) is strengthening its collaboration with the North Maluku Provincial Government and higher education institutions to promote marine-based micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) development and enhance human resource capacity. The commitment was formalized through the signing of two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in Ternate on Monday (October 26), involving APINDO’s National Leadership Council (DPN), APINDO North Maluku Provincial Leadership Council (DPP), the North Maluku Provincial Government, and Khairun University (Unkhair).
The first MoU, between APINDO North Maluku and Unkhair, focuses on collaboration in the university’s three pillars of higher education: education, research, and community service. The agreement was signed by Gajali Abd Mutalib, the elected Chairperson of APINDO North Maluku, and Unkhair Rector Abdullah W. Jabid.
The partnership provides a framework for aligning the university’s academic capabilities with the experience and needs of the business community. Potential areas of cooperation include knowledge development, research addressing regional priorities, and community service initiatives that benefit local communities and businesses. The collaboration also creates opportunities to better prepare students for employment and entrepreneurship, in line with programs agreed upon by both parties.
The second MoU, between the North Maluku Provincial Government and APINDO’s National Leadership Council, focuses on two key priorities: developing blue economy-based MSMEs and strengthening leadership capacity among stakeholders within the provincial government. The agreement was signed by North Maluku Governor Sherly Tjoanda Laos and APINDO National Chairwoman Shinta W. Kamdani.
On MSME development, the partnership aims to unlock the potential of North Maluku’s marine and fisheries sectors as drivers of business growth and greater local economic value. Strengthening MSME capabilities is expected to help entrepreneurs improve their products, enhance competitiveness, and expand market access. This approach seeks to ensure that marine resources generate broader economic benefits beyond their value as commodities, including through local business development and job creation.
Meanwhile, the leadership development initiative aims to enhance the leadership capabilities of stakeholders within the provincial government. Stronger leadership is expected to support public officials in formulating policies, managing development programs, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and responding more adaptively to the needs of communities and businesses.
This focus is important in building an enabling development environment that supports investment growth, MSME expansion, and improvements in public service quality.
Through the two MoUs, APINDO is promoting a collaborative approach in which the partnerships complement one another. Cooperation with Unkhair strengthens the links between higher education, research, communities, and business needs, while the partnership with the North Maluku Provincial Government focuses on developing the regional economy based on local potential and strengthening public sector leadership.
The implementation of both agreements is expected to reinforce the foundations of inclusive and sustainable economic development in North Maluku, delivering broader benefits for MSMEs, workers, students, and local communities.
