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Local food innovation is not only focused on product development but also requires effective communication strategies to build positive perceptions and enhance market competitiveness. This study aims to analyze the implementation of innovation communication strategies by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in developing papaya-based chili chips as a flagship product in Nagori Karang Anyar, Gunung Maligas District, Simalungun Regency. The research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, focusing on the product innovation process, marketing communication patterns, and efforts to build product image amid competition in the local food industry. The findings indicate that innovation communication strategies play a crucial role in creating product differentiation through narratives of unique taste, utilization of local raw materials, and promotional strategies combining traditional methods and digital media. Papaya chili chips are positioned as a product that blends distinctive local flavors with a modern touch, attracting consumer interest and increasing the added value of papaya as a local commodity. This study emphasizes that the success of local food innovation depends not only on product quality but also on the ability of MSMEs to manage adaptive and persuasive communication strategies.

Banana blossoms are often considered waste and rarely utilized by the community, even though this material is easily obtained, has nutritional value, and has the potential to be processed into economically valuable food products. This community service activity was carried out in Melati II Village, Pasar 6, Pala Hamlet, Perbaungan District, with the aim of providing assistance to the community in processing banana blossoms into chips as an alternative snack. The implementation method included a brief counseling on the potential and benefits of banana blossoms, training in processing techniques, hands-on practice in making chips, and a simple evaluation of the quality of the resulting product. The results of the activity showed that the community was able to process banana blossoms into chips with a crispy texture, acceptable taste, and an attractive appearance. In addition to improving community skills and creativity, this activity also helped reduce organic waste and opened up sustainable household-scale business opportunities for the local community.

Traditional snack micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia face increasing market competition and rapidly changing consumer preferences, particularly among younger consumers seeking innovative and symbolic food experiences. This community engagement study aims to strengthen the profitability and sustainability of traditional snack MSMEs by integrating local flavor innovation with simple business governance practices. Using a participatory action research approach under the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program in Palangka Raya, this study involved co-creation between students and local entrepreneurs in product development, production standardization, and basic financial management. Qualitative data were collected through participatory observation and stakeholder discussions, while quantitative data were obtained from sales records and simple financial reports. The results demonstrate that local flavor-based innovation, combined with standardized operating procedures and cost control mechanisms, improved product differentiation, operational efficiency, and financial performance. The intervention generated a positive net profit and strengthened the partner’s capacity for independent business management. This study contributes to the literature by positioning traditional food MSMEs as sites of cultural innovation and micro-governance, while supporting Sustainable Development Goals related to inclusive economic growth, cultural preservation, and responsible production.

Kyriad Hotel Arra Cepu is a star-rated hotel located in Blora Regency that plays an important role in supporting tourism activities, business travel, and the development of the local hospitality industry. Despite its strategic position, initial observations and discussions with hotel management revealed several challenges related to service quality, which has not yet fully aligned with current hospitality industry standards. These challenges include limited continuous staff training, inconsistencies between employee competencies and established standard operating procedures, and insufficient professional communication skills. In response, a community service program was developed in the form of competency-based training specifically tailored to the needs of Kyriad Hotel Arra Cepu. The program aims to enhance human resource quality through structured and intensive training aligned with the Indonesian National Work Competency Standards in the hospitality sector, covering Front Office, Housekeeping, Food and Beverage Products, and Food and Beverage Service. The training was implemented using a participatory and hands-on approach supported by ongoing coaching. Training materials included hotel hygiene and sanitation, excellent service practices, telephone operator etiquette, and basic English communication. This program provides direct benefits by improving employee competence, professionalism, and guest satisfaction, while also supporting the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education and strengthening collaboration between academia and the hotel industry. The expected outcomes include improved staff skills, higher service quality, and a replicable training model for similar hotels.

This article examines the role of students of the Real Work Lecture (KKN) of the State Islamic University of North Sumatra in Stabat Lama Village in supporting community development through an integrative approach that covers three main areas, namely religious moderation, stunting prevention, and extreme poverty alleviation. The religious moderation program is carried out through Maghrib Mengaji, Gebyar Islami, and interfaith dialogue, which has been proven to strengthen tolerance and social harmony in the community. The stunting prevention program is realized through the provision of supplemental food (PMT) based on local ingredients, which is able to improve the nutritional status of toddlers while preventing the risk of new stunting. Furthermore, the community economic empowerment program is carried out through ecoprint training with eco pounding techniques that produce works of selling value and open up opportunities for environment-based businesses. The results of the activities show that the three programs complement each other and contribute to improving health, economic independence, and socio-religious harmony. The real impact of the implementation of this program is not only felt in the short term, but also provides the foundation for the development of a more independent and sustainable society. Through the active involvement of students, KKN activities succeeded in connecting academic theory with real practice in the field, so that it was able to provide contextual solutions to village problems. The empowerment carried out also emphasizes inclusive community participation, especially vulnerable groups such as housewives and toddlers, so as to provide more equitable benefits. Thus, KKN in Stabat Lama Village represents a holistic, sustainable, and relevant service model to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mekarsari Village, located in Panimbang District, Pandeglang Regency, Banten Province, has local potential in the form of a bamboo-based home industry. This potential has long been part of the cultural and economic identity of the local community. Therefore, the goal of this Community Service (PKM) activity is to increase the income of bamboo craftsmen by encouraging innovation, improving product quality, and broader marketing strategies. The PKM activity was carried out by male and female students of KKM Universitas Bina Bangsa, group 41 of 2025. The stages of activities carried out in this program include three main phases. The pre-implementation stage was carried out through a process of observation and direct visits to the homes of bamboo craftsmen in Sumur Kuya Village, Mekarsari Village. Students conducted short interviews to explore obstacles and potential in production activities carried out so far. The implementation stage included practical work on making household products such as winnowing baskets, food covers, tissue holders, and bamboo baskets by KKM41 participants, guided directly by the craftsmen. Students also provided light training on product design to make it more attractive and competitive in the market. The final stage, the evaluation stage, was conducted through product socialization activities to the local community, including mini-exhibitions and open discussions. The community was educated on the importance of preserving local heritage while remaining open to innovation in production and marketing. This activity was held from July 18–20, 2025. The methods used included observation, field surveys, interviews, and hands-on practice. Bamboo was chosen as the basic material because it is abundant in the surrounding environment, as well as its advantages as an environmentally friendly material with high aesthetic value.

Turmeric is a spice commodity that has high economic market potential. However, the utilization of turmeric, especially in Kunden Village, Sukoharjo Regency is still limited in terms of processing innovation, and creates organic waste that has not been optimally utilized, namely turmeric leaves. The Village Development Program, carried out a zero waste-based transformation through the manufacture of gummy spices from rhizomes and liquid organic fertilizer from turmeric leaf waste. This activity is with the farmer women's group of Tani Lestari, with stages of socialization, training, and practice. The results of this program show that the farmer women's group of Tani Lestari members are able to understand product processing innovations in the form of turmeric gummy and optimize turmeric leaf waste into liquid organic fertilizer. Gummy turmeric is a functional food product that is good for health, while liquid organic fertilizer is an alternative to reducing organic waste from turmeric leaves to support sustainable agriculture. The provision of e-modules strengthens the sustainability of the program even after the activity has ended. Zero waste-based innovation not only encourages community participation, especially farmer women's group in village development based on local resources, but also creates a community that is adaptive to progress.

One of the local food potentials in the Woitombo Village area, Mowewe District, East Kolaka Regency is the sago plant. Opportunities for utilizing local sago food processing in this area are still lacking, while the potential for this processing can support food security and nutritious eating programs in the area. The lack of knowledge and skills of the local community is the cause of not utilizing the local food potential of sago. Based on this, the service team will provide training and assistance to women who are members of a Dasawisma group, with the aim of increasing women's capacity through processing local sago food in the area using the socialization, counseling and training stages in local sago food processing, which can support the sustainable development of sago plants in supporting food security and nutritious eating programs in the area. The result of this activity is that the women who took part in the activity gained knowledge and skills in processing local sago food, with a very enthusiastic attitude in the activity and at the end of the training activity were able to make and produce local sago food preparations, namely processing wet sago into sago flour and then processing the sago flour into sinonggi (a traditional specialty food) and sago plates (traditional cakes).

Village economic empowerment through the One Village One Product (OVOP) concept can improve community welfare. Tegal Village, Bogor Regency, has the potential of Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera), which are rich in nutrients and can be used as healthy food to help prevent stunting. This study aims to develop Moringa leaf-based cookies as an innovative OVOP product to improve the village economy and address stunting. The method used is Participatory Action Research (PAR), involving PKK women in cookie-making training, and an experimental approach to find the best formulation. The results show that Moringa leaf cookies have high nutritional value, a crunchy texture, a pleasant taste, and good market potential. This activity also enhances women's skills in processing local ingredients into high-value products. With this innovation, the community gains both nutritional benefits and new business opportunities through MSME development. This product is expected to become a sustainable village flagship and support efforts to reduce stunting rates. The results demonstrate local resource-based innovation as an effective solution for improving community welfare and health.

This study examines the application of Quality Engineering methods to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through a community service program. Using a qualitative approach based on literature studies conducted via a webinar at Universitas Sehati Indonesia (USINDO), the research explores how systematic quality improvement strategies can be introduced and adapted for MSMEs to enhance product quality and competitiveness, this study analyzed scientific publications, community service reports, and quality improvement program documentation from 2019-2024. The findings demonstrate that Quality Engineering principles-including Quality Function Deployment (QFD), Seven Basic Tools of Quality, and Statistical Process Control (SPC)-significantly enhance product quality when adapted to SMEs' specific contexts. Case studies reveal improvements ranging from 29.5% to 97.92% across various aspects including customer satisfaction, food safety, and production efficiency. The research identifies key challenges in implementation, including technical knowledge limitations, resource constraints, and difficulties in maintaining long-term changes. The successful integration of Quality Engineering methods depends on active participation from SME stakeholders, approaches tailored to local contexts, and continuous post-program mentoring. This study contributes to developing an integrative framework that combines Quality Engineering principles with practical SME needs, supporting sustainable quality culture development in the SME sector.