The residents of Bonde Village, Pamboang District, Majene, West Sulawesi, are taking a firmer step towards economic self-reliance. Through a product diversification workshop held at the BUMDes Olang Mesa stall on Thursday, September 25, 2025, the village brought a new spirit to local UMKM actors. The activity, which is part of the National Community Service (PkM) by Dr. Syahrinullah, SE., MM, carried the theme: “UMKM Empowerment through the Synergy of BUMDes Olang Mesa Bonde Village for Sustainable Economic Growth.”
This event was not merely a learning forum but a crucial moment for residents to understand that village products can become more valuable if managed with innovation and strategy. Attendees included representatives from the Pamboang Sub-district Head, the Head of Bonde Village, the Chairman of the BPD, representatives from Universitas Terbuka (UT), and the UMKM actors who are the frontline of the village’s economy.
The Head of Bonde Village, Awaluddin, SE., MM, emphasized his commitment to continually encouraging his residents to move forward. “With this activity, the Bonde community is expected to be able to develop the existing potential in the village, strengthen UMKMs, and simultaneously encourage economic self-reliance towards sustainable growth,” he said.
During the workshop, residents were not only invited to understand the importance of product diversification but also how to package, market, and expand market access. For small business owners, this step is a doorway to breaking into increasingly fierce competition while improving their quality of life.
The presence of Universitas Terbuka in this activity demonstrates that the role of higher education does not stop in the classroom. UT is present directly among the community, assisting the village to become more empowered. It is this synergy between the academic world and the community that makes this program feel different: knowledge is not only theoretical but is directly applied according to the needs and relevance of the village conditions.
This initiative demonstrates UT’s commitment to carrying out the Tri Dharma of Higher Education function, especially community service, while strengthening the synergy between the academic world and local communities to encourage sustainable economic development. The workshop activities align with the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 8: “Decent Work and Economic Growth.” By empowering local UMKMs through product innovation and wider market access, the village directly contributes to the creation of sustainable jobs and increased community income. Furthermore, this initiative supports Goal 12: “Responsible Consumption and Production,” by encouraging the efficient use of local resources and the development of environmentally friendly products.
Through the synergy between the village government, BUMDes, the community, and the university, Bonde Village demonstrates that through citizen creativity, the utilization of local resources, and the strengthening of UMKMs, economic growth can be built from the bottom up, without neglecting the value of sustainability. Every product produced is not just merchandise but a symbol of self-reliance and new hope for the community.
The village product diversification workshop brings a new color to the residents of Bonde. From this small village in Majene, success stories of UMKMs will be born that will not only prosper its community but also contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable face of Indonesian development.
