Tanggamus, August 2025 — The Resilience of Environment Foundation (Relung Indonesia), with support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Indonesia and PT Nestlé Indonesia – Panjang Factory, held a series of Product Development Trainings for Women Farmers’ Groups (Kelompok Wanita Tani/KWT) in Tanggamus Regency, Lampung Province.

The training was conducted in two sub-districts, Pulau Panggung and Ulu Belu, involving more than 50 participants representing 22 KWT. From the very first day, participants showed remarkable enthusiasm. For many of these groups, the training became an important milestone in viewing their products not merely as household-based processing, but as value-added goods ready to compete in broader markets.

Why Is Product Development Important for KWT?

Since the beginning of Relung’s facilitation program, KWT have initiated various products based on local potential, such as banana chips, cassava sticks, moringa tea, bandrek palm sugar, and instant herbal drinks. However, most of these products still face common challenges: basic packaging, limited promotion, and a lack of understanding of legality and branding.

The Product Development Training was designed to address these challenges. Its focus was not only on improving product quality, but also on branding, digital marketing strategies, business licensing, and halal certification. With this integrated approach, participants did not just learn how to make products but also how to position them in consumers’ eyes as attractive, trustworthy, and competitive.

One participant from Pulau Panggung reflected:

“We usually only sold our products in simple packaging within the village. After the training, we realized that packaging, labeling, and even the way we introduce our products really influence buyers’ interest.”

Key Topics: Branding, Digital Marketing, Packaging, and Legality

The training featured several speakers and trainers with expertise in their respective fields. The key sessions included:

• Branding and Digital Marketing
  Delivered by trainer Bryan Erfanda Putra, this session emphasized that a brand is not just a logo or name, but an identity and value that builds emotional connections with consumers. Participants learned the basics of branding, digital strategies, and simple ways to utilize social media as a promotional channel. As a practical exercise, each participant was tasked with creating a short promotional video using their mobile phones. Despite initial shyness, participants eventually gained confidence and presented their products in 30–60 second mini advertisements. This became an eye-opening experience about the potential of digital marketing.

• Product Packaging Design
  Packaging was introduced as the “first impression” of a product. In this session, participants explored different packaging materials, learned how to design attractive labels, and understood food labeling standards (including production and expiry dates). They were also introduced to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through ChatGPT to assist in creating label concepts and branding ideas. Participants practiced giving simple prompts, such as requesting sample product names or short descriptions for packaging. The quick and creative responses from AI impressed the participants, showing them how technology could be a practical tool in the creative process. One participant from Pulau Panggung remarked: “AI really helped us come up with names and labels. We usually struggle to write catchy words, but now we have examples to use.”

• Business Legality for MSMEs
  Presented by Omi Lestari, S.Kom., MM from the Department of Cooperatives, SMEs, Industry and Trade of Tanggamus Regency, this session explained MSME classifications, procedures for obtaining a Business Identification Number (NIB) through the OSS system, PIRT permits, halal certification, and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection. Participants were also informed that the local government provides concrete support through training facilitation, equipment assistance, and halal certification programs for women-led MSMEs.

• The Importance of Halal Certification
  The session involved P3H from Pulau Panggung and Ulu Belu Sub-districts, together with the Head of KUA (Office of Religious Affairs)/representatives in each location. They explained the simplified self-declare halal certification process, which is now more accessible for MSMEs. Halal certification was presented not only as a regulatory requirement but also as a trust-building factor for consumers. A highlight of the event was the symbolic handover of halal certificates to selected KWT, made possible through coordination between Relung Indonesia and the P3H teams in each sub-district. This moment marked an important step in enhancing the market value of KWT products.

Stories from the Field: From Shyness to Confidence

The training was designed to be interactive. Participants were not passive listeners; they engaged actively in discussions, hands-on practice, and group simulations.

In Pulau Panggung, for instance, some participants were initially reluctant to speak in front of the camera while creating their promotional videos. However, with encouragement from trainers, facilitators, and peers, they eventually completed short videos showcasing their group’s signature products.

In Ulu Belu, participants showed high enthusiasm during the packaging session. One group shared how their sales had significantly increased simply by improving their labels and packaging design. This story inspired others, proving that small innovations can create big impacts.

The excitement was also evident in the halal certification session. Participants realized that having halal certification not only expands market opportunities but also strengthens consumer trust.

Reflections and Learning

At the end of the training, participants shared their reflections. Most admitted that creating promotional videos and experimenting with packaging design — including using AI through ChatGPT — was both new and enjoyable. They gained a deeper understanding that business is not just about production but also about branding, digital promotion, legality, and halal certification.

One participant from Ulu Belu remarked:

“At first I thought running a business was only about making products, but what really matters is how people see and trust our products. Packaging, labeling, halal certification, and promotion all make a huge difference.”

Conclusion: Small Transformations, Big Impact

The Product Development Training in Tanggamus has provided a strong foundation for KWT to develop their businesses more strategically. With new knowledge on branding, digital marketing, packaging, legality, and halal certification, women farmers now have greater confidence to market their products in wider markets.

Relung Indonesia, together with GIZ Indonesia and PT Nestlé Indonesia – Panjang Factory, is committed to continuing support for KWT by:

• Facilitating business legality (NIB, Halal, PIRT).
• Providing guidance in branding and social media-based digital marketing.
• Monitoring product and packaging quality.
• Strengthening market access through local government networks, community partnerships, and digital channels.

Through these steps, KWT in Tanggamus are expected not only to grow as MSME actors but also to serve as drivers of inclusive and sustainable village economies.

Contributor:

Shella