Semarang, June 25, 2026 – The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), conducted a Community Service program in Kenteng Village, Bandungan District, Semarang Regency, by visiting Torakur (Tomat Rasa Kurma), a local innovative micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME). The activity was organized as part of The 1st International Conference on Community Service (ICCS) 2026, demonstrating UNNES’ commitment to translating academic knowledge into tangible benefits for local communities.
The program brought together conference participants, academics, international delegates, and community partners to observe firsthand how locally grown tomatoes are transformed into value-added products with higher market potential. Torakur serves as a successful example of innovation in local agribusiness by converting fresh tomatoes into a unique processed product, extending shelf life while increasing farmers’ income and reducing post-harvest losses.
In his welcoming remarks, Dorojatun Prihandono, S.E., M.M., Ph.D., Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Partnerships of FEB UNNES, emphasized that community service is a vital component of the university’s mission to foster sustainable community development.
“Universities have a strategic responsibility to empower local communities by strengthening the capacity of MSMEs through innovation, collaboration, and knowledge transfer. Through this community service program, we hope to encourage sustainable business practices while enhancing the competitiveness of local products in both national and international markets,” he stated.
During the visit, participants engaged in interactive discussions with the owners of Torakur regarding product innovation, production processes, quality improvement, marketing strategies, and business sustainability. The exchange of ideas between academics, international participants, and entrepreneurs created valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaborative problem-solving.
The activity highlighted the importance of integrating research, education, and community engagement to support local economic development. Participants also explored how product diversification and innovation can strengthen the resilience of MSMEs in responding to changing market demands while maximizing the utilization of local agricultural resources.
This community service initiative strongly supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production by promoting sustainable production practices and increasing the value of local agricultural products. Torakur demonstrates how agricultural commodities can be processed into innovative products, minimizing food loss, optimizing resource utilization, and encouraging sustainable consumption patterns. The initiative also reflects circular economy principles by creating added value from local resources while improving community welfare.
Furthermore, the collaboration between FEB UNNES, local communities, MSMEs, and international conference participants represents a practical model of university engagement in sustainable development. By integrating academic expertise with community needs, the program contributes to building resilient local economies and fostering environmentally responsible production systems.
Through The 1st International Conference on Community Service (ICCS) 2026, FEB UNNES reaffirms its commitment to delivering impactful community service programs that empower local communities, strengthen MSME competitiveness, and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Torakur initiative demonstrates how higher education institutions can serve as catalysts for sustainable innovation, community empowerment, and inclusive economic growth.