In order to develop the potential of MSMEs in Kayangan Sub-district (especially the 6 villages that are the working area), the Yaksa Lumbung Masyarakat Pedesaan (YLKMP) Association together with the SHEEP Indonesia Foundation has conducted an assessment of all MSME groups (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises). The assessment results illustrate that there is a need to strengthen the institutional structure, production management, and the ability to meet market needs.
In order to strengthen their ability to fulfil market needs, one of the things that was done was training in understanding digital technology as a medium to reach a wider market. The training was held at the Community Evacuation Centre (PEM) of Santong Mulia Village for three days, from 14 to 16 August 2023 and was attended by 32 representatives from 16 MSMEs that had been assessed as the most prepared based on the results of the analysis. In this training, MSME members gained knowledge and skills to utilise digital technology with a focus on expanding marketing reach and increasing sales volume.
L. Moh. Maya Junaedi S.E, Zucharaitun, S.Pd.i, and Yudi Ariadi. S.Bns from PLUT North Lombok as resource persons in the training invited participants to further deepen their understanding and identification of aspects of MSME development. Some of the materials provided include MSME institutions, financial recording, marketing digitalisation strategies, social media usage, and digital content strategies. Skills were practised through interactive sessions as well as providing opportunities for participants to try out the use of digital tools relevant to each MSME.
One of the participants, Ibu Usmiatun, Chairperson of Mari Bangkit MSME in Santong Mulia Village, shared, "I feel very grateful to be able to attend the training held by YLKMP and SHEEP Indonesia. I just realised how important the role of social media is in the development of our MSMEs. Previously, our MSME products were only known within the village. Now, thanks to this training, we can utilise social media to expand our marketing reach and even access markets outside the region".
This marketing digitalisation training is the first step in helping MSMEs in Kayangan Sub-district to integrate digital technology in their marketing strategies. In addition to supporting the marketing aspect, this training bridges MSMEs in expanding their market networks and contributing to local economic growth. In terms of potential, the utilisation of digital technology that has been learned makes MSME players in Kayangan Sub-district grow and strengthen themselves to face the economic challenges that are increasingly dynamic in the digital era by welcoming the various opportunities that exist.