Indonesia
English
Politeknik Negeri Ketapang (Ketapang State Polytechnic) lecturers Adha Panca Wardanu and A. Nova Zulfahmi served as speakers in a Community Empowerment event through micro-enterprise partnerships in Pelapis Village and Padang Village, Karimata Islands Sub-district, North Kayong Regency. This event was organized by the North Kayong Regency Trade Office and held over two days on 20–21 October 2021.
The event was attended by 40 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) actors in Karimata Sub-district. It was an effort by the local government to find solutions to MSME challenges and increase community participation to develop the potential of Pelapis Village and Padang Village in Karimata Sub-district.
In his opening remarks, Hendra, Head of Karimata Islands Sub-district, stated that fish and seaweed resources in Pelapis Village are abundant but have not yet improved the community's economy. In addition, MSME products in Pelapis Village and Padang Village are not yet attractive in terms of product variety or packaging. Furthermore, Hendra expressed hope that empowerment activities in Pelapis Village would continue sustainably so that products from Pelapis Village, Karimata, could become alternative local souvenirs from North Kayong Regency.
Adha Panca Wardanu, the first speaker, explained quality standards for processed products that are good and safe for health, and socialized the importance of licensing for micro-enterprises. Next, the second speaker, A. Nova Zulfahmi, provided insights on diversifying aquatic products. Meanwhile, Irfan Cholid, Politap Agroindustry Study Program Coordinator, and Martanto, Head of the Politap Cooperation Working Group, will develop sustainable collaboration between the Trade Office and Politap to provide mentoring to the residents of Pelapis Village and Padang Village in product processing, packaging, and marketing. According to Martanto, this activity is Politap's effort to develop vocational training from villages, especially in coastal areas.