Head of the ITS Center for Regional Potential and Community Empowerment Studies (PDPM), Dr Sutikno MSi, gave his remarks at the launch of the Priority Community Service Program at the ITS Research Center Building

ITS Campus, ITS News — To support the growth of the local economy, the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) officially launched the Priority Community Service Field Study Program (KKN Abmas) entitled the 1,000 Digital Marketing Movement for Ultra Micro Businesses (UMi) and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on Friday (15/8) at the ITS Research Center Building. This inauguration marks the beginning of mentoring activities aimed at enhancing the capacity of MSME and UMi entrepreneurs in Surabaya and its surrounding areas.

In his speech, Head of the ITS Center for Regional Potential and Community Empowerment (PDPM) Dr Sutikno MSi explained that this program targets business actors in the areas of Surabaya City, Gresik Regency, and Sidoarjo Regency. He believes that in this digital era, business actors need to be encouraged to utilize social media to reach a broader market. “This is also part of ITS’s efforts to support the government in reducing poverty,” he explained.

A number of ITS lecturers while trying one of the MSME products presented at the inauguration of the Priority Community Service Program at the ITS Research Center Building

Furthermore, the man who is usually called Tikno added that this activity focuses on empowering MSMEs and UMi businesses. This choice was based on the fact that these business groups often face limitations in access to technology and modern marketing strategies. “Therefore, this kind of assistance is needed to help increase their (MSME and UMi) business capacity,” he said.

The ITS lecturer from the Statistics Department said that the assistance will be carried out for a whole month. During this period, each KKN student will directly assist MSME and UMi actors at their business locations. This was initiated so that the assistance can address the real problems experienced by business actors, so that students can provide targeted solutions.

In addition to marketing aspects, Tikno continued, this KKN also emphasizes the importance of business legality. Tikno revealed that MSME and UMI actors will receive guidance in obtaining a Business Identification Number (NIB), Home Industry Production (PIRT) certification, and halal certification. This step aims to increase product credibility and strengthen competitiveness in the global market.

Representative of the East Java Provincial Cooperative and Small and Medium Enterprises Agency (Dinkop UKM), Andrio Himawan Wahyu Aji SH MH, gave a speech at the inauguration of the ITS Priority Community Service Program

Responding to Tikno’s statement, the representative of the East Java Provincial Cooperative and Small and Medium Enterprises Agency (Dinkop UKM), Andrio Himawan Wahyu Aji SH MH, appreciated ITS’s efforts in supporting Indonesia’s economic growth through the empowerment of local businesses. He assessed that this activity could help MSME and UMi actors to be more adaptive to digitalization. “I hope this step can increase East Java’s economic growth sustainably,” he said.

The event, which was attended by representatives of Dinkop UKM from the city of Surabaya, Sidoarjo Regency, and Gresik Regency, also reflected the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and local governments in empowering MSMEs and UMi. Andrio added that this collaboration is a concrete step in promoting national economic growth. “This synergy is expected to strengthen local economic competitiveness,” he said hopefully.

Finally, through this program, ITS once again demonstrates its contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly point one regarding poverty eradication and point 8 regarding decent work and economic growth. This is reflected in ITS’s contribution to local economic empowerment through innovation and digital technology. (ITS Public Relations)

Reporter: Khaila Bening Amanda Putri
Translator: Lael Soebakir