Learning Entrepreneurship from Moringa: Testimony of a Japanese Literature Student in MBKM Program

• Posted by: Admin
• Kamis, 28 Agustus 2025
• Has been read 880 time(s)

In March 2025, I, Ni Luh Nyoman Meira Ari Santi, a 2022 student of the Japanese Literature Study Program at Udayana University, had the opportunity to participate in the Independent Entrepreneurship Program (MBKM Wirausaha Merdeka Mandiri) in the 6th semester for approximately five months, from March 18 to July 31, 2025. In this program, I had the chance to join a series of entrepreneurship learning activities accompanied by direct monitoring at one of the agriculture-based business units, namely CV Timan Agung, located in Tabanan Regency.

Although my academic background is not from the field of entrepreneurship or agriculture, this did not become a significant obstacle. Instead, this experience fostered a special sense of enthusiasm because I was able to learn firsthand how a business can grow from simple ideas that are then managed properly.

During the program, the activities were divided into three main stages: pre-immersion, immersion, and post-immersion. At the pre-immersion stage, I received entrepreneurship training both offline and online through presentations from highly informative speakers. Next, at the immersion stage, I underwent direct monitoring at CV Timan Agung to learn about entrepreneurship practices in the agricultural sector, particularly focusing on moringa plants. From this process, I gained inspiration and engaged in discussions with other participants to develop a business idea in the field of food and beverages made from moringa, designed to have a taste similar to matcha or green tea. Finally, at the post-immersion stage, I participated in a bootcamp and Demo Day as platforms to present and market the group’s innovative products based on the ideas we had previously developed.

The business that my group and I created is called Midorikko.id (緑っ子), inspired by the main ingredient we used—moringa leaves, which are strongly associated with the color green. We successfully developed three innovative products during the program: Moringa Cookies, Moringa Chocolate, and Moringa Latte. These three products are made from moringa leaves processed in such a way that they produce a unique and distinctive flavor, even resembling the taste of matcha or green tea, which is already widely known by the public. With proper processing, moringa leaves—long associated with traditional vegetables—can actually be transformed into modern products with high market value.

Through this innovation, my group and I sought to present healthy food alternatives while at the same time promoting moringa’s potential as a local commodity with great opportunities for development in the modern food and beverage industry.

The Independent Entrepreneurship Program has broadened my understanding of the real world of entrepreneurship while also providing direct hands-on work experience in the field. Through this program, I learned not only how a business is run but also the importance of teamwork, accuracy in administrative management, and the ability to solve problems quickly and effectively when facing urgent situations.

I believe that this experience will become a valuable foundation that I can implement in the future, both in terms of self-development and in my career journey.