Indonesian University Lecturer Secures Grant for Aloe Vera SME Digitalization

A lecturer from the Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika (UBSI) Kampus Purwokerto has secured a grant from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology's BIMA 2026 program. The funding is earmarked for a community partnership initiative focused on digitizing the business management and expanding the market reach of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that process aloe vera in Karanggintung Village, Sumbang, Banyumas.

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The potential of aloe vera processed products in Karanggintung Village is quite large. However, UMKM actors still face obstacles in administrative management and marketing.

The project, titled "Empowerment of Karanggintung Village Aloe Vera SMEs through Business Management Digitalization and Market Expansion Using the Si VERA Platform," is led by Saghifa Fitriana. The team's primary goal is to utilize technology to help these SMEs enhance their operational management and access broader markets.

"The potential of aloe vera processed products in Karanggintung Village is quite large," Saghifa Fitriana explained. "However, UMKM actors still face obstacles in administrative management and marketing. Therefore, we want to help partners utilize technology so that businesses can be managed more orderly and products have a wider market reach."

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Therefore, we want to help partners utilize technology so that businesses can be managed more orderly and products have a wider market reach.

The program, running throughout 2026, will involve training, mentoring, system implementation, and evaluation. Fitriana emphasized that the initiative goes beyond mere technological introduction. "Digitalization must provide real benefits for business actors. Therefore, we direct Si VERA not only as a platform but as a means that can help partners manage business information while introducing their products to the market," she stated.

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Digitalization must provide real benefits for business actors. Therefore, we direct Si VERA not only as a platform but as a means that can help partners manage business information while introducing their products to the market.

Fitriana further elaborated on the importance of market expansion, noting that improved production capabilities must be matched by effective marketing strategies. "When business management improves, the opportunity to expand the market also becomes more open. The use of digital platforms can be one way to introduce UMKM products to a wider audience," she added. The phased approach ensures that SMEs not only learn about the technology but also become proficient in using it for their daily operations.

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We don't want activities to stop at training. Partners will receive assistance in implementing the system so they can try, evaluate, and get used to using technology in business management.