Lecturers of the Department of Agricultural Technology at the University of Bengkulu (UNIB) also encouraged the development of MSMEs on Enggano Island through community service activities focused on Royal Banana Caramel MSMEs in Malakoni Village, Enggano District, North Bengkulu Regency on August 15-18, 2026. The activity, which carries the spirit of “MSMEs Upgraded”, was carried out through the collaboration of three PNBP Service programs under the 2026 University of Bengkulu Mandate Service Scheme, with a focus on strengthening legality and food safety, increasing economic value through branding and marketing, and the use of technology in the production process.

One of the service teams was led by Selly Ratna Sari, S.Pi., M.Si., a lecturer at the Department of Agricultural Technology, University of Bengkulu, together with Is Susanti, S.I.P., M.A.P., Evan Vria Andesmora, S.Si., M.Si., and Putri Lisya Anggraini, S.Pd., M.Si., and involved students of the University of Bengkulu. The program focuses on increasing the economic value of Royal Banana Caramel through branding, marketing, and product preservation training. The assistance is directed so that local products not only have good quality, but also be able to appear more attractive and competitive in the market.

Service collaboration is also strengthened through a program led by Dr. Sipriyadi, S.Si., M.Si. with a focus on legality, resilience, and food safety. The team involved Dr. Nurna Aziza, S.E., M.Si., Akt., CA and Dr. Henny Johan, S.Si., M.Pd., as well as practitioners from BPOM Bengkulu and halal certification practitioners from the LPPM Halal Center UIN Fatmawati Soekarno Bengkulu. Meanwhile, the third program led by Dr. Elfi Yuliza, S.Si., M.Si. introduced the use of solar oil spinner technology to support the improvement of the quality of MSME products.

The results of the mentoring showed changes in the knowledge, skills, and appearance of Royal Banana Caramel products. A total of 30 participants participated in a series of activities, and the results of the evaluation showed an increase between the pretest and posttest scores. In terms of products, packaging that previously used clear plastic with stickers began to be directed to more attractive packaging and have a product identity. This approach confirms that packaging not only serves as a protector, but also becomes an important part of branding and marketing strategy.

This cross-field collaboration shows the commitment of the University of Bengkulu in supporting the development of MSMEs in the archipelago through an integrated approach. Strengthening production technology, food safety, legality, branding, and marketing is expected to help Royal Banana Caramel and Malakoni Village MSMEs increase the economic value of local products and expand market opportunities. Through the spirit of “MSMEs Upgrade”, this activity is expected to be a real step in building a more professional, competitive, and sustainable community business on Enggano Island.