Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA) continues to play an active role in supporting the advancement of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This time, UNIPMA has provided technological assistance in the form of a grating-squeezing machine and a continuous sealer to the sesame cracker business “Cahaya” in Geger Subdistrict, Madiun Regency, on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Additionally, a new packaging design for the MSME’s products was launched as part of this empowerment program.

The initiative is part of the Medium-Sized Household Industry Development Program (PIRT-UM), funded by Kedaireka, an initiative under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbud Ristek) in 2024. According to Marheny Lukitasari, Vice Rector for Planning, General Affairs, Resources, and Finance at UNIPMA, the MSMEs involved in this program not only receive production equipment but also comprehensive assistance.

“The PIRT-UM UNIPMA team provides support in packaging design, promotion, and BPOM testing processes to help improve their product competitiveness,” said Dr. Marheny Lukitasari, M.Pd.

She added that UNIPMA's success in running this program is due to the institution’s focus on achieving the eight key performance indicators of higher education. One of these indicators is the impactful work of faculty members on the community.

As the recipient of this program grant, UNIPMA allocated approximately IDR 478 million to support three MSMEs, namely sesame crackers “Cahaya,” Djamoe in Mojorejo Subdistrict, and Aroda sambel pecel in Tawangrejo Subdistrict. In addition to production equipment, continued mentoring remains a priority.

“We hope this program will not only provide short-term benefits but also create a lasting impact for communities around UNIPMA. We aim to contribute to the well-being of society and the development of the local economy,” added Dr. Marheny Lukitasari, M.Pd.

In the future, UNIPMA plans to offer more extensive support to MSMEs, including assistance with patents, HACCP certification, and company establishment to expand MSME product reach into international markets.

Nanang Fatoni from Geger Subdistrict expressed his gratitude to UNIPMA for supporting MSME players in his area. “This assistance is invaluable for local entrepreneurs, especially in improving the quality of our region’s flagship products,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nur Hayati, the owner of the sesame cracker business “Cahaya,” shared her joy over the assistance she received. “With the new machines and guidance from the UNIPMA team, we feel more confident in marketing our products. This is a big boost for our business to keep growing,” she said.

Through this program, UNIPMA continues to demonstrate its commitment to collaborating with the community, government, and MSME players in creating an ecosystem that supports local economic progress.