Semarang, November 7, 2025 — The 2025 SDGs Student Group (KMS) from the Automation Engineering Technology Study Program, Vocational School, Diponegoro University, conducted a community service program in Sriwulan Village, Limbangan District, Kendal Regency. The activity carried the theme “Application of Appropriate Technology: Palm Sugar Powdering Machine to Increase the Selling Value of Palm Sugar Production in Sriwulan Village.”
Held on November 7, 2025, the program consisted of two main activities: a digital marketing training session for the villagers and a demonstration of a student-assembled palm sugar powdering machine. Both activities aimed to help the Sriwulan community enhance the selling value of palm sugar products and expand market reach through the use of appropriate technology and digital promotion.
Figure 1. Digital Marketing Training for the Local Community and Demonstration of the Palm Sugar Powdering Machine
In the digital marketing session, the student team invited Mr. Ardan Chrisyufa as the speaker. He shared simple yet effective online product promotion strategies. Participants were introduced to the basics of branding, the use of social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, simple product photography techniques, and how to create engaging and informative promotional content. The training was enthusiastically received by the residents, especially local MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprise) owners and young people interested in promoting local products digitally.Following the training, the activity continued with a demonstration of the palm sugar powdering machine, which had been assembled by the student team prior to the event. Through this demonstration, the community observed how the machine efficiently processed solid palm sugar blocks into fine palm sugar powder.
The event received full support from the Sriwulan Village administration as well as guidance from supervising lecturers and the Head of the Automation Engineering Technology Study Program. This collaboration between students, lecturers, and the community is expected to bring tangible impact in improving productivity and the competitiveness of local village products.
Figure 2. Sriwulan Village Participants Attending the Digital Marketing Training
Through this initiative, students not only applied their academic knowledge but also actively contributed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). The program serves as a concrete example of Diponegoro University students’ contribution to community welfare through technology-based innovation.
Figure 3. Group Photo of Student Committee and Lecturers
Looking ahead, it is hoped that similar programs will continue to be carried out sustainably — whether through the development of other appropriate technologies or follow-up training sessions for the community. Through such initiatives, the synergy between students, lecturers, and the community is expected to grow stronger in driving village development based on innovation and empowerment.