University Campus Empowers Belitung's MSMEs to Compete in the Digital Era

Tarumanagara University (Untar), through the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), organised a community service programme for 80 micro, small and medium-sized entrepreneurs (UMKM) in Belitung Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, from 18 to 21 May 2026. The activity focused on strengthening local entrepreneurs’ capacity to face developments in industry and digital markets. Training took place at the Belitung Regency UMKM Integrated Service Unit (PLUT) and involved entrepreneurs from the culinary, fashion, and craft sectors. Subjects included public speaking, product design, marketing strategy, and basic financial reporting. Members included 20 lecturers and students from eight faculties at Untar. A multidisciplinary approach was deemed essential to provide solutions tailored to the current needs of UMKM. Opening remarks were delivered by Belitung Vice Regent Syamsir, S.I.Kom.; Head of the Office of Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, Trade and Labour Belitung Annyta; Head of UPT PLUT KUKM Belitung Fita Elyana; Head of Untar LPPM Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hetty Karunia Tunjungsari; and Dean of Fikom Untar Dr. Sinta Paramita. Hetty Karunia Tunjungsari, through today’s statement, said the cross-disciplinary involvement of lecturers and students is part of Untar’s effort to provide practical mentoring for entrepreneurs. ‘This activity is expected to benefit UMKM in Belitung and strengthen ongoing collaboration with the UPT PLUT UMKM Belitung,’ she said. Vice Regent Syamsir appreciated Untar’s contribution to increasing the capacity of local entrepreneurs. He noted that the topics are relevant and current. ‘The knowledge of Tarumanagara University is not in doubt. I see that the themes are also very good and up-to-date. The regional government thanks Untar for teaching and sharing knowledge here,’ he asserted. Untar Rector Prof. Dr. Amad Sudiro regarded the community service activity as part of the university’s responsibility to support community development and strengthen the SME sector in the region. ‘We hope this activity will help Belitung’s UMKM to be more innovative, adaptive, and capable of competing in the digital era,’ said Rector Amad. Untar has previously established various collaborations with regional government and other institutions in areas such as community empowerment, education, and SME development across regions. Collaborations have included training, mentoring, and community service programmes as efforts to expand the university’s contributions to social and economic development.