Bogor, September 17, 2024 – Lecturers from Universitas Dian Nusantara, consisting of Mrs. Ari Apriani, M.M., Mrs. Desi Ramayanti, M.T., and Mr. Komarudin, M.T., successfully carried out a Community Service (PkM) activity in Cogreg Village, Bogor Regency. This activity was funded by the 2024 Dikti Beginner Community Service Grant (PMP), focusing on enhancing the competitiveness of Kemuning Mandiri SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises).

Kemuning Mandiri Village is known for producing various superior products, but their main challenge lies in weak marketing efforts. Until now, the business has relied solely on word-of-mouth marketing and orders from neighbors and friends who are already familiar with the products. This condition has made it difficult for the Entrepreneurs to grow and compete in a broader market.

Recognizing these challenges, the UNDIRA PkM unit offered a solution to bring Kemuning Mandiri SMEs into the digital world. Considering the increasing trend of online shopping, marketing products through marketplaces became the proposed step. However, to compete in the digital market, rebranding the product became a crucial move that the Entrepreneurs needed to undertake.

Furthermore, Mr. Komarudin, M.T. added that rebranding and product quality are key to surviving in a competitive market. "Product packaging is not just about appearance but also about maintaining the product’s quality. Products sold in the digital market must have visual appeal and consistent quality," said Ari Apriani, M.M., head of the PkM team. The PkM team redesigned the packaging for four sample products from Kemuning Mandiri Entrepreneurs, aiming to add value and increase the products’ competitiveness in the market.

In addition to this, the PkM team handed over a continuous plastic sealer machine to Kemuning Mandiri Entrepreneurs. This machine is expected to help improve the quality and durability of the products, especially when shipped to other cities. Tighter and safer packaging will ensure that the products arrive in good condition. According to Mr. Komarudin, M.T., "With this machine, finished products can be packaged more professionally and last longer," he said.

On the same occasion, Mrs Desi Ramayanti, M.T. stated that "It is essential for Kemuning Mandiri Entrepreneurs to utilize digitalization, at least by selling their products on a marketplace, such as Shopee." She emphasized the importance for Entrepreneurs to take advantage of available technology to broaden their marketing reach.

With efforts in rebranding and utilizing digital technology for marketing, it is hoped that Kemuning Mandiri Entrepreneurs will be able to compete with other products in a broader market and significantly increase their revenue.

This activity is a tangible contribution from Universitas Dian Nusantara in supporting the development of SMEs in Indonesia through relevant and targeted community service programs.