LPPM UT Develops Community Empowerment Strategy Based on Local Aspirations in Pondok Cabe Ilir

The Research and Community Service Institution (LPPM) of Universitas Terbuka (UT) has mapped community needs and formulated targeted empowerment programmes for Pondok Cabe Ilir Village in Pamulang Subdistrict, South Tangerang City. LPPM UT Chair Dewi A. Padmo P stated that the institution is committed to strengthening community service programmes based on residents’ real needs. ‘We want UT’s Community Service Program (PkM) to be built on the actual needs of the community, ensuring targeted outcomes and direct impact for Pondok Cabe Ilir residents,’ Dewi said during the FGD held at Gubuk Makan Mang Engking on Monday (25 May 2026). The FGD focused on the theme ‘Optimising and Disseminating Community Empowerment Programmes through UT’s Community Service in Pondok Cabe Ilir Village’. The activity was conducted under the EQUITY-funded PkM programme, supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology to help universities achieve global recognition. The programme is led by Lidwina Sri Ardiasih, with team members Dewi A. Padmo P, Dola Suciana, Murni Maulina, Erna Risnawati, and Rhomadhon. The forum served as a collaborative space between UT, Pondok Cabe Ilir Village officials, UMKM operators, posyandu cadres, TPS3R officers, community leaders, and community-based drug abuse prevention units. Participants included local residents, village officials, UMKM representatives, community figures, and UT lecturers from LPPM and relevant faculties. Pamulang Subdistrict Government Section Head Ibnoe Tanzil Mubarok said the FGD provided a crucial collaboration platform between UT and the community. He hoped the discussions would translate into tangible programmes addressing residents’ needs and driving progress in Pondok Cabe Ilir. Need for UMKM Clustering During the forum, Pondok Cabe Ilir Village Head Prihadiyanto highlighted the area’s significant potential, particularly in the community economy. With approximately 4,170 UMKMs, he stressed the need for clustering to enable more effective development support. Besides UMKM potential, social issues such as limited job opportunities, children not attending school, community skills training needs, and proper waste management systems were also discussed. In the UMKM sector, Chef Banana owner Cefi Heriansyah emphasised strengthening the culinary, craft, and fashion industries. He noted challenges including weak product differentiation, limited business legality, minimal digital branding, insufficient production equipment, and lack of dedicated promotion spaces for local UMKM products. Proposed initiatives included UMKM clustering, business legality support, packaging rebranding, digital marketing training, business coaching, production equipment assistance, flagship product website development, and UMKM showcase spaces. ‘Pondok Cabe Ilir has many business operators. What’s needed now is capacity building, guidance, and promotional spaces to elevate local products,’ Cefi said.