EMPOWERMENT OF JAMBI’S SONGKET BUSINESSES THROUGH PRODUCT DIVERSIFICATION

Abstract

Jambi is a part of Malay history and customs, therefore Songket fabrics become a common view
during wedding or royal events. Over time, Songket cloth has become part of the social life used by
all strata of the society. This condition makes Songket initiated the establishment of a group of
small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Jambi, dedicated for Songket manufacturing and selling.
The effort to develop local culture as a national asset is a duty for all Indonesian people, including
Jambi University through the “Darma of Dedication to the community”. Community service
program initiated by the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education through the
scheme of Export Product Development Program (PPPE) aims at conducting guidance and
assistance for Jambi’s Songket SMEs through product diversification in order to increase the
business of SMEs. The methods of assistance used for SMEs include lectures, discussions,
training, demonstrations, mentoring and program evaluation. Lectures, discussions, demonstrations
and training were conducted to increase the knowledge about diversification of products made
from Songket. Further assistance was done for all the discussions that had been given. To measure
the success of the program, the team would conduct an evaluation from the beginning until the end
of the program. The assistance provided by the PPPE of University of Jambi to SME partners of
Jambi’s Songket business was able to produce wallets, ladies handbags, tracks, clothes, seat
cushions, frames and sandals. The strategy of product diversification is able to increase the
revenue for the SME involved.