ANTARA holds product photography training for MSME entrepreneurs in Kendari

Kendari - Perum LKBN ANTARA Southeast Sulawesi Bureau, through its Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) programme, has collaborated with the Kendari City Government, Southeast Sulawesi, to organise product photography training for micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) entrepreneurs to strengthen digital marketing.

The Head of MSME Empowerment at the Kendari City Department of Trade, Cooperatives, and MSMEs, Machlil, expressed his appreciation for ANTARA’s initiative during an interview in Kendari on Wednesday, noting that it significantly assists the local government in supporting local business owners.

“We are greatly assisted by this activity. MSME entrepreneurs must continuously receive training so that the products they produce look attractive and are able to capture consumer interest,” said Machlil.

According to Machlil, business development in Kendari is currently progressing rapidly. Assistance in improving visual competence is highly necessary to ensure local products can compete in wider markets.

Meanwhile, the Head of Perum LKBN ANTARA Southeast Sulawesi Bureau, Zabur Karuru, explained that this TJSL programme focuses on visual strengthening because public consumption patterns have shifted towards digital platforms.

“Almost 70 per cent of the population now conducts transactions online. In this visual era, consumers purchase products based on seeing product photos first. Even if the product is delicious or high quality, if the visual presentation is unappealing, consumers will be reluctant to buy,” said Zabur.

Zabur explained that through this training, entrepreneurs are taught to utilise simple home facilities to produce aesthetic and marketable product photos. Additionally, ANTARA has encouraged the 50 participating MSMEs to support each other within the local business ecosystem.

As a form of commitment to sustainability, Zabur added that the ANTARA Southeast Sulawesi Bureau is prepared to facilitate publication, media promotion, and even provide product marketing space within the bureau’s office area in the future.