Undiknas Students Organize ABDI PM: Meraki Asa in Pedawa, Supporting the Added Value of Palm Sugar
Buleleng – Students from Universitas Pendidikan Nasional (Undiknas), who are members of the Ministry of Community Empowerment, BEM-PM Undiknas, organized a community service program titled ABDI PM: Meraki Asa in Pedawa Village, Banjar District, Buleleng Regency. This two-day event, held on July , 2024, aimed to enhance the market value of Pedawa’s signature palm sugar through education and the creation of a branding video that the local community can use as a promotional tool.
The first day began with a seminar themed “Enhancing the Market Value of Pedawa’s Signature Palm Sugar,” held at Wantilan Pedawa. The seminar was attended by villagers, including palm sugar farmers, who play a key role in improving the quality and marketing of this local product. The event was officially opened by invited representatives and continued with presentations from two experts in agriculture and entrepreneurship.
The first speaker, Mr. Anak Agung Gede Agung Wedhatama P., M.Eng, is the Chairman of the Young Cool Farmers Community and the owner of several agricultural businesses. The second speaker, Ms. Putu Titha Paramita Pika, S.E., M.M, is an active lecturer at Undiknas, specializing in business management and entrepreneurship. The seminar was moderated by Berlian Putri Utama.
Following the seminar, the team proceeded with the branding video production, documenting the step-by-step process of making Pedawa’s palm sugar. This video is expected to help local farmers promote their products to a wider market, increase product appeal, and strengthen the identity of Pedawa’s palm sugar.
On the second day, participants and organizers continued with interviews and further branding video production. They conducted interviews with a palm sugar farmer and the Head of Pedawa Hamlet, who is also an entrepreneur in the palm sugar industry.
The ABDI PM team then visited palm seedling nurseries, palm sugar production sites, and several key locations in the village connected to the industry. Throughout these activities, they were accompanied by the Head of Pedawa Hamlet. The final documentation will be used as a promotional tool and handed over to the village community to support the marketing of Pedawa’s palm sugar.
The ABDI PM: Meraki Asa initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth,
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Through seminars and branding videos, the Pedawa community gains access to entrepreneurship education and modern marketing strategies that can help increase their income. Additionally, promoting local products such as Pedawa’s palm sugar contributes to the preservation of sustainable traditional agricultural practices.
The success of this program would not have been possible without the support of various parties, including the local community and academics. It is hoped that the ABDI PM program can continue annually, bringing greater benefits to rural communities while reinforcing students’ commitment to the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly in community service.
