EDUTRIP TO SEMARANG

From October 22nd to 25th, 2024, we had the incredible opportunity to go on an educational trip to Semarang. This trip was designed to explore the local entrepreneurial scene, with a particular focus on the coffee industry. As students, we were excited to step out of the classroom and immerse ourselves in real-world learning experiences. The trip combined education, adventure, and team-building activities, giving us valuable insights we’ll carry with us into the future.

            We began our journey on the morning of October 22nd, leaving for the Gambir train station at 4 AM. After a relaxing and scenic train ride, we arrived in Semarang around noon. Our first stop was Diponegoro University (UNDIP), where we met with the Secretary of the Study Program. This visit was truly inspiring, showing us how higher education can foster innovation and entrepreneurship.

            After the university visit, we headed to Kampung Kopi Banaran, a beautiful coffee village located in the countryside. This became our base for the next few days, where we stayed and fully immersed ourselves in the world of coffee. We started with an outbound activity designed to enhance our teamwork and leadership skills. The challenges we faced helped us work closely together, solve problems creatively, and support each other. It was an excellent opportunity to bond as a group and develop skills that will be useful in our future careers.

            We then had the chance to learn about the entire coffee production process—from harvesting the beans to brewing the final product. A highlight of the trip was the barista workshop, where we learned how to brew coffee properly, create latte art, and understand the different types of coffee beans. This experience gave us a deeper understanding of the coffee industry and sparked an interest in how small businesses can thrive in this field.

            On the third day, we visited the Banaran Coffee Factory, where we got a behind-the-scenes look at large-scale coffee production. It was eye-opening to see how the beans are processed and packaged, and we developed a new appreciation for the effort that goes into every cup of coffee. We also toured PT Sidomuncul, a company known for producing herbal drinks. This visit was particularly valuable as it showed how businesses can combine traditional practices with modern technology to create products that appeal to a wide market. We learned about the challenges of maintaining high quality while expanding operations and entering new markets.

            Looking back on the trip, we realized how much we gained from this experience. It wasn’t just about visiting new places or seeing how businesses run—it was about learning through experience and connecting with local entrepreneurs who shared their knowledge and passion with us. We learned practical lessons about the coffee industry, how to apply entrepreneurial principles in real life, and how to work better as a team. The trip also gave us a greater appreciation for how local businesses contribute to both the economy and culture of a region.

By : Teresa Vivian, G.12