Kediri, Tuesday, July 29, 2025 – The Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Airlangga (FEB UNAIR) once again held a Community Service (Pengmas) activity entitled the MSME Care Program Vol. 2. The Kediri Cihuy MSME Care Team had the opportunity to go directly into the field to assist Micro and Small Enterprises (MSMEs) in Kediri. Together with the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU), we run a program that aims to help MSMEs survive and thrive amidst the rapid flow of digitalization. Our role is to equip business actors with digital marketing skills, financial literacy, and product branding strengthening, so they can compete healthily and take advantage of increasingly broad market opportunities.
This program is very special because it involves the active role of FEB UNAIR students as facilitators and mentors for MSEs. The Kediri Cihuy MSE Care Team consists of Frisca Kusumawati (Economics 23), Salma Rezanita (Management 23), and Muhammad Rakhmatul Wakhid (Management 24). We accompany MSEs directly in training, discussions, and daily business management practices. The KPPU also provides valuable insights on the importance of healthy business competition, so that MSEs not only excel in products but also understand the ethics of running a business. From this, we learn that collaboration between campuses, government, and communities can have a real impact on society.
Nine MSEs are partners in this program, and our roles vary according to the needs of each business. Mrs. Suwati's Emping Melinjo maintains its traditional flavor, while we helped Mie Exped Kediri activate the QRIS payment system for faster and more convenient transactions. We assisted with Cilok Sehati by conducting customer satisfaction surveys to understand market preferences. We educated Mrs. Erna's Nawa Roti and Penjahit on financial reporting for more organized business management. We optimized Mrs. Ririn's Es Campur operations, Tung-Tung Kue Nagihi sells Indonesian specialty cakes, Dapur Mama Dian created a new, more professional logo and branding, and Tas Anyam Dua Putra transformed local materials into quality crafts.
Our role extends beyond training to direct field support. We conduct surveys and mapping in the Plemahan and Papar sub-districts to design targeted mentoring, provide business management training, and assist with the creation of promotional materials such as banners, product labels, and more attractive packaging. We also provide intensive guidance on sales strategies and product development, ensuring that MSEs not only learn theory but also directly apply it in their businesses.
Interestingly, this program not only targets business people but also touches the education sector. Our team visited SMA Negeri 1 Plemahan and SMA Negeri 2 Pare to introduce the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Airlangga. In this activity, students were introduced to the four majors at FEB UNAIR: Economics, Management, Accounting, and Islamic Economics, complete with career opportunities that can be pursued after graduation. We also shared information about college life, scholarship information, and various programs and activities that can support self-development. Hopefully, this socialization will motivate students to continue their higher education and make FEB UNAIR their primary choice when entering the world of college.
The program's impact is beginning to be seen among MSE participants. Ibu Dian, owner of Dapur Mama Dian, said her business now has an attractive and practical promotional banner. She has also become accustomed to recording daily income and expenses in an easy-to-understand format, allowing her to accurately track her business's profits each month. Several other MSEs have successfully activated QRIS, improved their packaging, and begun actively promoting their products through social media. All of this demonstrates that the mentoring provided goes beyond theory and produces tangible changes that entrepreneurs can directly experience.
"It's so exciting, Sis, studying at FEB UNAIR. After hearing about the facilities, I'm interested in continuing my studies there. Please pray for me so I can join you there," said one of the students at the school we visited.
The involvement of FEB UNAIR and KPPU also provided significant positive output. FEB UNAIR students brought creative and technological approaches to assist with digital marketing, financial management, and branding, while KPPU ensured that business actors understood the importance of healthy competition. This collaboration successfully supported SDG 1 by increasing the income and independence of MSEs, SDG 4 through introducing higher education to high school students, SDG 8 by encouraging micro-enterprises to advance through digital innovation, and SDG 17 through synergy between campuses, the government, and the community. As a result, MSEs in Kediri are now better prepared to face market challenges and take advantage of opportunities in the digital era.