PG-PAUD Students Win 1st Place at the National Student Business Innovation Expo
Putri Rahmawati, a 2024 student of the Early Childhood Education Teacher Education (PG-PAUD) program and leader of the Sarasa Nusantara team from class 2024 F, successfully led her team to achieve 1st place in the National Student Business Innovation Expo, a highlight of The 18th FIESTA National Competition. The event was organized by the PG-PAUD Study Program of Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA) on October 5, 2025. Carrying the theme “Quality Education for Golden Indonesia 2045: Synergy of Culture, Inclusion, Innovation, and Digitalization,” the competition embodied the spirit of collaboration among creativity, technology, and the nation’s cultural values.
This prestigious event brought together university students from across Indonesia to present creative and innovative business ideas in the fields of education and entrepreneurship. Each participant was challenged to develop ideas that demonstrated originality and relevance to contemporary societal needs. In this competition, Sarasa Nusantara showcased a culinary business concept themed “Cita Rasa Nusantara” (Flavors of the Archipelago), highlighting the richness of Indonesia’s traditional cuisine as its main inspiration.
The business idea stemmed from a growing concern over the declining interest among younger generations in appreciating Indonesia’s traditional foods and beverages. Observing this trend, the team sought to introduce culinary innovations that not only appeal to modern tastes but also reflect local wisdom and Indonesia’s cultural identity. Their products were developed from traditional recipes, refined with a modern touch while preserving authenticity and cultural essence. Through this innovation, the team aimed to reintroduce Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage in a more attractive, relevant, and accessible way for today’s society.
The culinary concept emphasized educational, cultural, and aesthetic values in one integrated idea. The team wanted to convey that food is not merely for consumption—it is also a medium for cultural preservation and a means of fostering national pride. Their idea captivated the judges for its ability to combine creativity, innovation, and cultural messages into a sustainable business model.
Preparing for the competition required dedication and strong teamwork. The team, consisting of ten students, conducted extensive research on local ingredients, experimented with various cooking techniques, and developed branding and digital marketing strategies. Throughout the process, members learned to collaborate, think critically, and adapt to emerging challenges. Their hard work paid off when Sarasa Nusantara was crowned 1st place winner, thanks to the uniqueness of their products, the strength of their concept, and their engaging and inspiring presentation.
This achievement was made possible through the guidance and support of Mrs. Fatiha Khoirotunnisa Elfahmi, M.Ed., M.Pd., who provided continuous direction and motivation throughout the preparation and competition stages. In addition, support from the PG-PAUD Study Program and the entire university community greatly encouraged the team to continue developing their potential and innovating further.
For the Sarasa Nusantara team, this accomplishment is not only a source of pride but also a valuable learning experience, teaching the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and responsibility. Through their local wisdom–based culinary innovation, the team aims to prove that cultural preservation and youth creativity can go hand in hand. Moving forward, Sarasa Nusantara hopes to continue innovating and contributing to the promotion of Indonesia’s traditional culinary treasures to a wider audience.
