In Order to Prepare Devisa District, IPB University Professor Accompanies UTU in Supporting Coffee and Palm Sugar MSMEs in Bener Meriah, Aceh

Prof Tajuddin Bantacut, a Professor of Agricultural Industrial Technology at IPB University, joins part in the implementation team for the Kedaireka program at Teuku Umar University (UTU), that provides support to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Bener Meriah District, Aceh. This support is aimed at preparing Bener Meriah District as a foreign exchange-earning district, or better known as a Devisa District.

The villages of Suka Ramai Atas and Rembele have been chosen as the support villages for coffee businesses, while support for the palm sugar commodity is provided in the villages of Arul Cincin and Kampung Baru 76.

During this occasion, Prof Tajuddin emphasized the importance of innovation and adaptation in today’s business world. He stated, “In the modern era, business operators must be adaptive to market dynamics with technological improvements. If not, they may fall behind and be unable to compete.” He expressed his thoughts during a meeting at the Suka Ramai Atas Village Hall, Wih Pesam District.

The collaboration between the Kedaireka UTU team led by Dedy Darmansyah SP, MSi, and the Cooperative and SME Agency of Bener Meriah District as partners is expected to have a significant impact on business performance.

Within the framework of this program, UTU students are expected to contribute through a four-month internship. They will be placed in four target villages, each with assignments based on the development and outcomes in each village.

Admi, serving as the Reje, or more commonly known as the Village Chairperson of Suka Ramai Atas, warmly welcomed Prof Tajuddin Bantacut and the UTU team. He expressed his belief that this mentoring program would have a positive impact on the local community. “We hope that this program can run sustainably,” he emphasized.

The Kedaireka UTU team and Prof Tajuddin also visited the business owned by Ridwan, a coffee entrepreneur. During the visit, Ridwan explained the current operations he carries out and showcased the design of the location as well as the coffee pulping machine, more locally knows as “penggiling gelondong“, used to separate coffee beans from their husks. (*/Rz) (IAAS/ZRT)