Kulonprogo, April 24, 2025 — The Industry and Trade Office (Disperindag) of the Special Region of Yogyakarta organized an assistance program for the “Nyawiji Mulyo” Small and Medium Industry (SME) of palm sugar (gula semut) in Kulonprogo. The event, themed “Socialization of GMP Implementation Facilitation,” featured Dr. Devi Yuni Susanti, a lecturer from the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology at Gadjah Mada University, as the keynote speaker.
The session was moderated by Setiani Kartika Wati, S.T., a Junior Industry and Trade Extension Officer from Disperindag DIY, who emphasized the importance of continuously enhancing the capacity of SMEs, particularly in terms of product quality and safety. In her presentation, Dr. Devi Yuni Susanti delivered a talk titled Optimizing Palm Sugar Production through the Implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): Standardization of Raw Materials, Processes, Equipment, and Production Environment. She highlighted that the consistent application of GMP leads to high-quality, safe-to-consume products that meet both national and export market standards. Product quality, she stressed, begins with a well-managed production process. GMP helps SME owner ensure that every stage of production complies with established standards.
The lessons covered the importance of selecting raw materials that meet quality standards, managing hygienic production processes, using equipment that complies with sanitation requirements, maintaining a clean and safe production environment, and ensuring that human resources uphold hygiene, health, and contamination prevention practices.
The second session was delivered by Dwi Prastiti, S.T.P., from the Yogyakarta Regional Food and Drug Authority (BPOM DIY), on the topic “Procedures and Guidelines for Applying for a Good Processed Food Manufacturing Practice License.” Representatives from PT. Sucofindo also participated, presenting on the topic “Strategies for Implementing GMP Certification in the Palm Sugar Industry.” Following the presentations, a discussion session was held between participants and speakers. During this session, SME actors shared various technical challenges they faced in the palm sugar production process and collectively sought practical solutions based on GMP principles.
This initiative aligns with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth, and Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production. The assistance program is expected to promote the transformation of small industries toward greater professionalism, competitiveness, and sustainability.
Contributor: Devi
