Semarang, June 21, 2025 — Students team KKN Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) who are part of the KKN TIM 1 IDBU Rowosari Post program carried out a social strengthening program for MSME actors in RW 05 and RW 06 of Rowosari Subdistrict, Tembalang District, Semarang City. This activity is part of the students’ efforts to empower the community through the enhancement of social capacity and community networking. Held in the yard of the RW 05 Head’s house, the activity was attended by local UMKM actors, RW/RT heads, and community leaders. The event was opened with a speech by RW 05 Head, Mrs. Ely, who emphasized the importance of solidarity and cooperation among MSME actors in developing local businesses.

This program focused on the social empowerment of UMKM actors through community education, group discussions, and the initiation of an inter-RW UMKM communication forum. The students delivered material on the importance of community cooperation, strengthening social solidarity, and distributed booklets containing collaboration and business networking guidelines. In addition to social education, the activity also resulted in an initial commitment to form the RW 05 and RW 06 UMKM forum as a shared communication space. This forum is expected to become a collaborative platform for UMKM actors to share information, business opportunities, and production cooperation.

The positive response from participants showed strong enthusiasm for the social approach implemented by the students. The RW 05 and RW 06 heads appreciated this program and hoped similar activities could be carried out sustainably. This activity is part of the UNDIP multidisciplinary KKN program series, which not only emphasizes technical aspects but also social aspects and community empowerment. With a spirit of collaboration, UNDIP KKN students are committed to continuing to make real contributions to grassroots community development.

The First Material, “Utilizing Information for Business Innovation and Hoax Prevention,” was delivered with the message that supporting the growth and resilience of Usaha, Mikro, Kecil, Menengah (UMKM) amid rapidly changing market dynamics is crucial. The material, presented by Indratma Sarwahita and Yohana Ivanka Lamtio Purba, emphasized that understanding government policies is not merely an added advantage but a strategic necessity for UMKM actors to survive and grow. This session outlined the importance of policy information for UMKM from various aspects, including ensuring legal compliance, unlocking access to new opportunities such as incentives and subsidies, and aiding in more strategic business planning. Participants were encouraged to understand the benefits of adapting to the latest policies, such as risk mitigation, encouragement for innovation, and improved business competitiveness. Additionally, participants were provided with information on official sources to monitor current policies, including websites of the Ministry of Cooperatives and SME (kemenkopukm.go.id), Directorate General of Taxes (pajak.go.id), Indonesian Tax Consultants Association (ikpi.or.id), and the National Public Procurement Agency (LKPP).

The presentation was supported with legal foundations for UMKM such as Law No. 20 of 2008, Law No. 11 of 2020, Government Regulation No. 7 of 2021, Presidential Regulation No. 2 of 2022, and Ministerial Regulation of Cooperatives and UKM No. 6 of 2022, which serve as key pillars in strengthening the legality and empowerment of UMKM in Indonesia.Furthermore, various government facilities and programs were introduced, such as business registration through the OSS system, training, financing, and business mentoring provided by the Cooperative Office.

At the end of the session, participants were reminded about the obligations and sanctions for UMKM that fail to comply with regulations, such as ineligibility for aid, fines, and even the closure of illegal businesses. This material is expected to encourage MSME actors in Rowosari to become more proactive in accessing policy information and to make optimal use of the facilities provided by the government.

The second material of this activity raised the topics “Use of Information for Business Innovation and Hoax Prevention” as well as “Being Smart on Social Media and Advertising Ethics in Business”, which were presented together by Fina Idamatussilmi and Jihan Nabila Maharani. In this presentation, both emphasized the importance of information literacy and critical thinking skills in utilizing information to support business development. Accurate and appropriate information can be a source of inspiration for product innovation, creative marketing, and increasing the competitiveness of UMKM. They also provided education related to the dangers of hoaxes that often spread on social media and can harm business actors, both in terms of reputation and business decision-making.

In addition, participants were also encouraged to be smarter in using social media as a means of promotion. The presenters explained how to build a good online business image, the importance of maintaining ethics when advertising, and delivering content that is honest, not misleading, and in accordance with social norms. The goal is for UMKM actors to be able to utilize digital media optimally, responsibly, and professionally in doing business. This material is expected to increase public awareness, especially UMKM actors, of the importance of managing information and social media wisely in order to support a more adaptive, innovative, and sustainable business.