BATU BARA, August 25, 2026 – Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) implemented its 2026 Community Service Program for the Indonesian Coastal Women’s Association (KPPI) of Batu Bara Regency, Medang Deras District, through the application of packaging technology and the strengthening of digital marketing for its flagship product, Rendang Kerang Menterang. The activity was led by Franklin Asido Rossevelt, S.AP., M.K.P., with Dr. Nauas Domu Marihot Romauli, STP., M.Eng., and Muhammad Arif Lubis, S.E., M.Si., as team members. The program aimed to help the partner organization overcome limitations in packaging technology, improve production efficiency, and expand the market reach of processed seafood products to increase their added value and competitiveness.

During the activity, the team introduced three technologies to support production and packaging: a can seamer, a mini retort sterilizer, and a vacuum sealer. The application of these technologies is expected to improve production efficiency, ensure more consistent packaging, and support the development of KPPI's business capacity. In addition, digital marketing assistance focused on improving the partner organization's ability to utilize social media and online sales channels to promote its products, reach a wider range of consumers, and establish sustainable market opportunities.

“In today's increasingly digital era, KPPI must be able to seize opportunities to market its flagship product, Rendang Kerang Menterang, so that it can develop into a locally processed product capable of competing nationally and potentially entering international markets. We hope that the implementation of this packaging technology will increase production capacity, strengthen business competitiveness, and provide tangible benefits for improving the welfare of KPPI members,” said Franklin Asido Rossevelt, S.AP., M.K.P. The program also aligns with efforts to support SDG 8 on economic growth, SDG 9 on industry and innovation, and SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production.

The Community Service Team expressed its appreciation and gratitude to the Directorate of Research and Community Service, Directorate General of Research and Development, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, for its trust and funding support for the program. The team also extended its thanks to Universitas Sumatera Utara, particularly the USU Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM USU), the Batu Bara Regency Government, Medang Deras District, Pangkalan Dodek Baru Urban Village, and all KPPI members in Batu Bara Regency for their support, cooperation, and active participation throughout the activity. The team hopes that this collaboration will strengthen business sustainability, optimize the economic potential of coastal communities, and improve community welfare through technological innovation and digital marketing.

FISIP USU PUBLIC RELATIONS TEAM

Medan, October 19, 2026