(FEB NEWS) Gresik, Sunday, November 23, 2025 — The Department of Management Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) and PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (SIG) are expanding their collaboration to empower MSMEs through a series of managerial training and service digitalization for assisted culinary MSMEs in Gresik Regency. This program is a continuation of previous mentoring and aligns with the sustainable development agenda that targets increasing MSME productivity at the local level.
The event featured UNAIR management experts, including Prof. Tantri Handriana, Dr. Tuwanku Aria, Dr. Febriana, Jovi Sulistiawan, Ph.D., Dunga Dwi, MM, Nurul Khaira, M.Si., Rahmat Heru Setianto Ph.D., and Nurullaily Kartika. SIG CSR, Fahrudin, and his team were also present. The event opened with an emphasis on the importance of strengthening business foundations for MSMEs amidst the dynamics of business competition. The training began with a microfinance session presented by Rahmat Heru Setianto Ph.D., covering simple recording and cash flow preparation. This approach is designed to help business actors understand their financial condition in a more measurable way.
The next topic was delivered by Dr. Tuwanku Aria, who discussed operational service standards and service ethics. MSMEs are expected to be willing and able to consistently implement excellent service processes for customers to strengthen their competitiveness.
SIG representative Fahrudin emphasized that this collaboration is part of the company's commitment to empowering the local economy. "This program aligns with SIG's support for improving the competency of MSMEs so they can grow sustainably," he said.
As part of the technology adaptation, participants were introduced to the creation of QR Reviews to facilitate the collection of customer feedback. This system integration is expected to improve service quality and encourage digital literacy among MSMEs. At the end of the activity, the UNAIR team handed over an operational guidebook, covering digital marketing, microfinance, and MSME SOPs to SIG as an official archive of the materials and modules provided during the mentoring process. In addition, UNAIR also distributed t-shirts and aprons to the culinary MSME participants. The symbolic handover was carried out by representatives of the UNAIR Management Department and SIG to Sugeng, the Coordinator of the Culinary MSMEs assisted by Semen Indonesia.
This program supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8, which focuses on increasing the economic capacity of MSMEs; SDG 9, which promotes innovation and the use of simple technologies; and SDG 12, which promotes more responsible and efficient business operations. The event concluded with a group photo session, marking the continued strategic partnership between UNAIR and SIG in strengthening the MSME ecosystem in East Java.