Kendari MSME Owners: Digital Insights Expanded Thanks to ANTARA
Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi (ANTARA) - A number of micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, have stated that their insights into digital product marketing have expanded following a training session organised by Perum LKBN ANTARA.
Nur Ningsih, a culinary MSME owner from the Lepo-Lepo ward, noted during the training in Kendari on Wednesday that she gained a new perspective on utilising social media for business promotion, particularly in optimising the use of Instagram.
“This training is excellent because it changes our mindset and broadens our horizons. Previously, we only used Facebook Pro, but now we have been given an understanding of how to optimise Instagram, from product photography techniques to branding strategies,” said Nur Ningsih.
She expressed hope that such capacity-building activities would continue to support other small business owners in the region.
Similarly, Khofsoh, a traditional cake entrepreneur in Kendari, also experienced tangible benefits from the training. Despite admitting to being initially technologically illiterate, customer demand and modern trends have motivated her to continue learning how to adopt digital platforms.
Khofsoh revealed that the product photography training provided a new way to improve the visual presentation of her business on social media.
“Previously, I would simply photograph cakes straight from the oven without considering lighting or camera angles. Through this training, I now understand the importance of lighting, captions, and varying angles to make products more attractive,” she said.
In addition to digital marketing knowledge, Khofsoh noted that the training forum served as an effective way to build networks with fellow entrepreneurs. She even reported receiving product orders during the event.
“This training is very beneficial. Besides expanding market opportunities, we also gain new friends and connections. I hope activities like this can be held again so that MSMEs in Kendari can progress and move up to the next level,” Khofsoh explained.
Meanwhile, the Head of the ANTARA Bureau in Southeast Sulawesi, Zabur Karuru, explained that this training is part of the company’s Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) programme. The activity focused on visual strengthening, as public consumption patterns have shifted towards digital platforms.
“Almost 70 per cent of the population now transacts online. In this visual era, consumers buy products based on the photos they see first. Even if the product is delicious or high quality, if the imagery is unappealing, consumers will be reluctant to buy,” he said.
Zabur also explained that through this training, business owners were taught how to use simple home facilities to produce aesthetic and marketable product photos.
At the same venue, the Manager of Corporate Communication and TJSL for Perum LKBN ANTARA, Fransisca Vena, stated that the training was designed to encourage capacity building and expand the marketing reach of home-based businesses in Kendari through the optimal use of digital tools.
“We hope that through this TJSL activity, we can assist these MSME owners in developing their businesses, utilising digital tools for business growth, and optimising product distribution and sales,” she said.