Beyond Production Capacity: Integrating Technology, Packaging Innovation, and Market Access at UD Karomah

Abstract

UD Karomah is a cattle-skin cracker producer in Seganteng, Cakranegara, Mataram City, with approximately 30 years of operation. Its main constraints included limited processing equipment, weather-dependent sun drying, inconsistent net weight, and packaging unsuitable for broader retail distribution. This community engagement program integrated production technology, weighing standardization, and packaging innovation through participatory needs assessment, training, equipment implementation, mentoring, and evaluation. The intervention introduced high-pressure semawar burners, a drying oven with an 80-100 kg load capacity, a 30 kg digital scale, and a continuous band sealer. The team and partner also developed branded standing pouches in 150 g and 250 g sizes. According to program records, production output was approximately 80 kg per day, while weighing accuracy was reported at 99%. The products were recorded as being marketed in at least two modern shopping centers in Mataram. The partner also obtained a Business Identification Number and intellectual property certificates for its packaging design and logo. The documented outputs connect improvements in processing, packaging, and market access. A numerical productivity gain cannot yet be established because a comparable pre-program output figure was not available.