Mercu Buana University Lecturers Train MSMEs to Level Up Through Packaging and Digital Marketing
The Community Service Team of Mercu Buana University provided training in packaging design and digital marketing to 30 home-based SME producers of peyek and fried shallots in Kedaung Kali Angke Urban Village, Jakarta, to improve the competitiveness of their products.
The training, titled Transformation of SME Marketing Communication through Digital Content Marketing and Visual Product Redesign, was part of the Community Empowerment Scheme (PKM) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology’s 2026 Programme.
The activity was held after the lecturer team identified a number of obstacles faced by SME actors, ranging from product packaging that did not yet support brand strengthening, marketing that still relied on personal WhatsApp, to limited ability to create digital content for promotion.
Kedaung Kali Angke Urban Village Head M. Gufri Fatchani assessed that the training could help business actors develop their businesses.
“The training can help SME actors develop their businesses because they can utilise social media and take good product photos for promotion,” he said.
In the packaging design session, Mercu Buana University lecturer Anggi Almira Rahma explained the importance of product appearance in attracting consumer interest.
“Packaging is the first thing consumers see. Attractive packaging can increase trust, strengthen product identity, and make products easier to choose among many competitors,” said Anggi.
Meanwhile, Melly Ridaryanthi delivered material on digital marketing strategies by introducing the use of WhatsApp Business, culinary community Facebook groups, and Instagram as promotional tools.
“The main capital for online selling is not sophisticated technology, but our courage to start trying,” said Melly.
The training concluded with practice in creating social media promotional content and composing promotional sentences, guided by the Activity Chairperson, Muthia Rahayu. Participants practised photographing products using smartphones by utilising natural lighting and simple styling techniques.
The activity also involved Mercu Buana University students as assistants during the practical sessions.
The implementing team hopes the training can improve the competitiveness of partner SME products, while opening wider marketing opportunities, including through digital platforms and modern retail outlets. Further mentoring will also be carried out to ensure the training results can be applied by business actors.