Yogyakarta, November 6, 2025 — To strengthen the capacity of agroindustry-based MSMEs, the Appropriate Technology (TTG) Team from the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DTPB), Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FTP UGM), conducted a community service program involving equipment handover and chocolate processing training at Taman Kakao, Kalibawang, Kulon Progo.
Led by Dr. Arifin Dwi Saputro and supported by Dr. Radi, Dr. Arima Diah Setyowati, and Hilda Maya Sintia Dewi, M.Sc., the team reaffirmed DTPB FTP UGM’s commitment to supporting MSME development and the sustainable implementation of appropriate technology (TTG) in the agricultural and food sectors.
Taman Kakao: A Growing MSME Partner
Taman Kakao is one of DTPB FTP UGM’s partner MSMEs specializing in fine chocolate production. Under the leadership of Mr. Johan, the enterprise empowers local cocoa farmers in Kalibawang to transform their harvests into value-added premium chocolate products.
Supported by UGM’s Directorate of Community Service (DPKM), this three-year TTG program focuses on mentoring, technical training, and introducing post-harvest processing technologies. The collaboration has helped Taman Kakao enhance its chocolate quality to meet small-scale industrial standards.
Training and Equipment Handover
The activity also involved students to provide hands-on learning experiences in community engagement. The program included:
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Maintenance and mentoring on cocoa powder pressing machines,
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Provision and training of automatic packaging machines,
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Distribution of a chocolate fountain, and
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Training on chocolate jam production and product innovation using the fountain.
“We are grateful to DTPB FTP UGM and DPKM UGM for their continuous guidance over the past three years. We have learned to meet proper chocolate-making standards and now produce near-industrial quality chocolate,” said Mr. Johan, owner of Taman Kakao.
Collaboration for Resilient and Sustainable MSMEs
The TTG program not only focuses on production improvement but also aims to build a resilient and competitive MSME ecosystem through technology application, process efficiency, and product innovation.
This initiative contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
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SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through MSME capacity enhancement,
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SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by applying appropriate technology, and
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SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting efficient and value-added agricultural processing.
Through this program, DTPB FTP UGM reaffirms its dedication to advancing technology-driven MSMEs, expanding the reach of community service, and strengthening an inclusive, globally competitive agroindustrial system.
