The Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) of ITB, in collaboration with the Food Security and Agriculture Office of Kubu Raya Regency, Pontianak, conducted a community service program aimed at empowering local micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM). This initiative, spanning from March to November 2024, included a workshop held at the Training Center of Kepong Bakol DPMD Kubu Raya, Pontianak, West Kalimantan, from July 3 to 5, 2024.
The workshop was officially opened by Tri Indriastuty, Assistant for Economic Affairs and Development of Kubu Raya Regency, representing Yusran Anizam, the Secretary of Kubu Raya Regency. In her opening remarks, Tri emphasized the importance of enhancing UMKM capacities in Kubu Raya, expressing hope that this initiative would help local businesses grow and thrive by leveraging modern technologies.
Dr. Kartib Bayu, a faculty member of SAPPK ITB and the head of the community service team, highlighted that Kubu Raya, with its strategic location, airport, port, and abundant resources, holds significant potential for development. He noted that while the agricultural sector is crucial, it is facing challenges such as land conversion, slow regeneration of agricultural entrepreneurs, and low adoption of technology, especially in packaging and marketing.
Dr. Sri Hartati, from the School of Business and Management at ITB, served as a resource person during the workshop, emphasizing the vital role of marketing in boosting UMKM product sales. She encouraged participants to integrate traditional (offline) and digital (online) marketing strategies to reach broader consumer bases, achieve optimal sales results, and strengthen customer relationships.
The workshop, attended by 25 participants, including 21 UMKM operators and four agricultural extension workers (PPL), focused on practical skills such as product packaging design, product photography, and e-marketing techniques. Participants had the opportunity to practice photographing their products and were guided on how to create eye-catching and informative packaging designs. They were also introduced to various online marketing techniques, including social media (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), marketplaces, websites, email marketing, digital advertising, and mobile marketing.
Fitriyandi R, Head of Horticulture at DKPP Kubu Raya, acknowledged the workshop's role in addressing the challenges faced by UMKM in processing and marketing agricultural products. He expressed hope that through this workshop, participants would find it easier to access e-markets in the future.
Fenny Imelda from Polnep emphasized that this workshop is a continuation of Polnep’s community service program, which previously focused on production. She added that follow-up activities would include mentoring and tutorials, both offline and online, to help participants implement the skills they learned.
Dr. Kartib Bayu concluded that the workshop aimed to familiarize participants with the importance of good packaging, attractive product photos, and effective use of social media or marketplaces to boost sales. He expressed optimism that these efforts would not only enhance the local market but also help UMKM products reach national and global markets.
Related News:
1. kampus.republika.co.id: Tingkatkan Kapasitas UMKM, LPPM ITB Pengabdian Masyarakat di Kubu Raya
2. pontianakpost.jawapos.com: Workshop Desain Pengemasan, Pemotretan dan E-Marketing Kolaborasi DKPP, LPPM-SAPPK ITB dan Polnep
3. berkatnewstv.com: 25 UMKM Produk Hortikultura Dilatih Pemasaran Digital