Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), together with Malang State University (UM), and Sebelas Maret University (UNS), established a Joint Business Group (KUB) for Edelweiss Merbabu MSMEs in Kopeng Village, Getasan District, Semarang Regency. The formation of this KUB is part of the Collaborative Community Service Program (PMKI) entitled “Optimizing the Vegetable Farming Sector as a Superior Product Based on Community Empowerment.”
The program’s socialization was attended by village governments, farmer groups, and local community representatives. The chief executives from each university were Prof. Dr. R. Benny Riyanto, M.Hum. (UNNES), Dr. Hary Suswanto, S.T., M.T. (UM), and Dr. Bara Yudhistira, S.TP., M.Sc. (UNS), with support from a team of UNNES lecturers, including Prof. Dr. Suci Hatiningsih DWP, Prof. Dr. Widya Hary Cahyati, Sunyoto, S.T., M.T., and Prof. Dr. Isti Hidayah, M.Pd.
On the occasion, Dr. Hary emphasized the importance of implementing Appropriate Technology (TTG) and diversifying processed products to increase competitiveness. Dr. Bara from UNS presented on increasing human resource capacity and competency, while Prof. Suci from UNNES explained institutional management strategies, product certification, and marketing training.
Prof. Benny Riyanto stated that the establishment of the Edelweiss Merbabu MSME Cooperative (KUB) was an important step for Kopeng Village.
“We hope this KUB will not only strengthen the community’s economy through processed potato products, but also create a sustainable empowerment ecosystem,” he said.
The result of this activity was the formation of the Edelweiss Merbabu MSME Cooperative, chaired by Joko Susilo, through Kopeng Village Head Decree No. 400/019/2025. This KUB accommodates representatives from nine hamlets in Kopeng Village and focuses on processing potatoes as a superior local product.
Kopeng Village Head, Rebo Sarwoto, welcomed the program.
“We are very grateful for the assistance from UNNES and partner universities. Hopefully, this KUB can bring real benefits to the residents of Kopeng Village, especially potato farmers,” he said.
The agreed-upon development targets include the provision of potato slicing machines, fryers, spinners, and wrapping machines. The team also provided training on making various chips, packaging designs ready for registration, trademarks, Home Industry Food (PIRT) legality, and offline and online marketing strategies.
Going forward, the Edelweis Merbabu UMKM KUB is expected to be a driving force for Kopeng Village’s branding based on potato farming. With the support of TTG, university mentoring, and community involvement, this program is expected to strengthen the economic and social capacity of residents while maintaining environmental sustainability.
