Semarang, June 21, 2025 — Students from Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) participating in the Community Service Program (KKN) Team 1 IDBU program at the Rowosari post implemented a social empowerment initiative for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Neighborhood Unit (RW) 05 and RW 06 of Rowosari Village, Tembalang District, Semarang City. This activity was part of the students’ effort to empower the community by enhancing social capacity and strengthening community networks. Held in the courtyard of the RW 05 head’s residence, the event was attended by local MSME actors, neighborhood heads and community leaders, as well as public figures. The event opened with remarks from the head of RW 05, Mrs. Ely, who emphasized the importance of solidarity and cooperation among MSMEs in growing local businesses.

This program focused on the social empowerment of MSMEs through community education, group discussions, and the establishment of an inter neighbourhoods MSME communication forum. The students delivered material on the importance of community collaboration, social solidarity, and distributed a booklet containing guidelines on business networking and collaboration. In addition to the educational component, the activity also resulted in an initial commitment to form the MSME forum for RW 05 and RW 06 as a shared communication platform. This forum is expected to become a collaborative space for MSME actors to exchange information, business opportunities, and collaborate on production.

The participants’ positive responses reflected strong enthusiasm toward the social approach taken by the students. The heads of RW 05 and RW 06 expressed appreciation for the program and hoped similar initiatives would be continued in the future. This activity is part of UNDIP KKN’s multidisciplinary program, which emphasizes not only technical aspects but also social empowerment. With a spirit of collaboration, UNDIP KKN students are committed to making tangible contributions to grassroots community development.

The first titled “Utilizing Information for Business Innovation and Hoax Prevention” emphasized support for the growth and resilience of MSMEs amidst rapidly changing market dynamics. Presented by Indratma Sarwahita and Yohana Ivanka Lamtio Purba, the material highlighted that understanding government policies is not just a bonus but a strategic necessity for MSME actors to survive and thrive.

This session outlined the importance of policy information for MSMEs from various perspectives, including legal compliance, access to new opportunities such as incentives and subsidies, and support in strategic business planning. Participants were encouraged to understand the benefits of adapting to current policies, such as risk mitigation, innovation encouragement, and competitiveness improvement.

They were also informed about reliable sources for monitoring the latest regulations, including websites of the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs (kemenkopukm.go.id), the Directorate General of Taxes (pajak.go.id), the Indonesian Tax Consultant Association (ikpi.or.id), and the National Public Procurement Agency (LKPP).

The presentation was supported by legal frameworks such as Law No. 20/2008, Law No. 11/2020, Government Regulation No. 7/2021, Presidential Regulation No. 2/2022, and Regulation of the Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs No. 6/2022, all of which are key foundations for strengthening MSME legality and empowerment in Indonesia. Furthermore, government facilities and programs such as OSS business registration, training, financing, and mentoring by the Cooperative Department were also explained.

At the end of the session, participants were reminded of the obligations and sanctions for non-compliant MSMEs, such as ineligibility for assistance, fines, or closure of illegal businesses. The material aims to encourage MSMEs in Rowosari to proactively access policy information and optimally utilize government-provided support.

The second session of this event covered the topics “Utilizing Information for Business Innovation and Hoax Prevention” and “Being Smart on Social Media and Ethics in Business Advertising,” presented by Fina Idamatussilmi and Jihan Nabila Maharani. In their presentation, they emphasized the importance of information literacy and critical thinking in using information to support business development. Accurate and reliable information can serve as a source of inspiration for product innovation, creative marketing, and enhancing the competitiveness of MSMEs.They also provided education on the dangers of hoaxes, which often spread on social media and can harm business actors—both in terms of reputation and decision-making.

In addition, participants were guided to use social media more intelligently as a promotional tool. The speakers explained how to build a positive online business image, the importance of maintaining ethics in advertising, and how to deliver content that is honest, non-deceptive, and socially appropriate. The goal is for MSMEs to make full, responsible, and professional use of digital media in their business operations. This material is expected to raise awareness among MSMEs, especially in managing information and social media wisely, to support a more adaptive, innovative, and sustainable business practice.