UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga has once again earned recognition through the achievements of its alumni. Reghi Perdana, a 1998 graduate of UNAIR’s Faculty of Law, now serves as Expert Staff to the Minister of Cooperatives and MSMEs for Law and Public Policy. With years of experience in government institutions, Perdana highlights the importance of integrity, collaboration, and evidence-based policymaking in advancing the MSME sector (August 26, 2025).
Career path: From journalism to government service
After completing his studies, Perdana did not immediately enter public service. He began as a journalist at Gatra magazine before joining the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) as a civil servant in 2000. Over two decades, he rose from staff to echelon III official. In 2021, he was appointed Head of the Bureau of Law and Organization at the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM). Four years later, he was entrusted with his current role as Expert Staff at the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs.
“Every assignment is a learning opportunity—not only in legal and policy theory but also in managing cross-sectoral interests. That process shaped who I am today,” he said.
Policy and MSME challenges
In his current position, Perdana stresses the importance of evidence-based regulation. “Every rule must undergo academic review and Regulatory Impact Analysis. Public participation must go beyond formality to ensure policies genuinely serve the people,” he explained.
He added that the biggest challenge in the MSME sector is safeguarding and empowering over 60 million entrepreneurs, most of whom are micro or ultra-micro enterprises. MSMEs account for more than 61 percent of Indonesia’s GDP and provide jobs for 97 percent of the workforce.
MSME initiatives and digital transformation
Among the programs he considers effective is the Festival of Protection and Ease of Doing Business, which connects MSMEs with services such as business licensing, halal certification, intellectual property rights, and financing. “At a single event, more than a thousand micro and small businesses can receive direct assistance,” he said.
With digitalization accelerating, the ministry is also preparing more adaptive regulations. Perdana underlined the need for entrepreneurs to master digital tools. “Through empowerment programs, we help MSMEs build digital skills so they can thrive on platforms like Shopee, TikTok, and others, keeping pace with changing times,” he emphasized.
Advice for UNAIR students and alumni
As an alumnus, Perdana urged UNAIR students to map out their career paths early while seeking guidance from experienced graduates. “Think of yourself as an arrow, and alumni as the bow. When connected, the arrow can fly farther, faster, and hit the target. Prepare yourself, uphold integrity, and never stop learning,” he advised.
Through his career, Perdana demonstrates how UNAIR alumni can play a vital role in supporting national development through public policy and MSME empowerment.
Author: Nafiesa Zahra
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
