Yogyakarta, June 3, 2025 – The Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Study Program again presents an inspiring learning experience through the Entrepreneurship Guest Lecture. Located in the MMA Auditorium, Building A10 Sosek 3rd Floor, this guest lecture discussed “Utilization of Natural Fibers for the Sustainable Fashion Industry.” It was attended by all students participating in entrepreneurship courses in the even semester of the 2024/2025 Academic Year.
The guest speaker was Hari Agung Wicaksono, M.Pd, a fashion designer and owner of Hari Agung Kebaya, who has been actively developing fashion based on natural fibers and local wisdom.
In his presentation, the speaker explained that the fashion industry is one of the most significant contributors to textile waste and carbon emissions due to the dominant use of synthetic fibers. Therefore, using natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, silk, wool, pineapple fiber, banana, and bamboo is a real solution to create an environmentally friendly fashion industry. Using natural fibers certainly has advantages and challenges that must be faced. In addition, students were invited to look at natural fiber-based business opportunities and understand the role of consumers in supporting a more ethical and responsible fashion industry.
This guest lecture also emphasized that daily fashion choices are a tangible form of environmental responsibility. By understanding the life cycle of fashion products, students are expected to become agents of change in creating a more ethical and sustainable industry.
The guest lecture material directly supports several SDG goals, including SDG 4: Quality Education – through integrating sustainability insights in entrepreneurship education. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by encouraging local business opportunities based on renewable natural resources. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – using natural materials, zero-waste design, and wise consumption. SDG 13: Addressing Climate Change – by reducing carbon emissions from the fashion industry through the choice of greener materials.
This guest lecture reminded us that entrepreneurship today is not only about profit but also about sustainability and social responsibility. Students were invited to create businesses that are innovative and have a positive impact on the environment and society.
Author : Aprilia Dwi Hastuti
Admin of the Website for the Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM