UIN Jakarta Officially Opens Food Court, Boosting MSME Empowerment and Student Creativity

UIN Jakarta Hospital Parking Lot, UIN Online News – UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta officially inaugurated a new food court on Friday (June 20, 2025). Located in the parking area of the UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta Hospital, the opening is part of the campus's business center development and its commitment to supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Head of UIN Jakarta's Business Development Center, Prof. Dr. Asep Syarifuddin Hidayat, S.H., M.H., affirmed that the food court is a tangible form of the university's support for MSME actors. He stated that 36 vendors from lower-middle-income backgrounds have joined, bringing their own food carts. "First, we want to strengthen the presence of MSMEs. Because the food court is occupied by 36 cart vendors, and they bring their own carts. These are small traders, so we want to empower the community," he said.

The head of UIN Jakarta's Business Development Center also explained that the benefits of the food court are reciprocal. Not only does it benefit the surrounding community, but it also makes a positive contribution to the campus. "The community benefits, and UIN, through its business center, also benefits. What's important is how the community can enjoy it and UIN itself can experience the benefits. It's a mutualistic symbiosis," he explained.

Prof. Asep revealed that the land currently in use will continue to be developed. More than 10 other vendors have expressed interest in joining. "Many are still applying; no fewer than 10 more tenants want to join. Therefore, we ask for prayers and support for this positive activity," he added.

Besides being a culinary hub, the food court is also designed as a space for student expression and interaction. Prof. Asep mentioned that they will prepare a music and creativity stage that can be utilized by student activity units and faculties to showcase their talents.

With the opening of this food court, UIN Jakarta hopes to create an inclusive space that supports local economic development while also serving as a hub for social and cultural activities for the academic community.

(Rizkiyah Gustiana N./Zaenal M./Noeni Indah S/Foto: Hermanudin)