06 May 2026
Threesna Sharfina
Medan, May 5, 2026 – The Faculty of Vocational Education of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) organized a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Dissemination of the Red Ginger Candy Program in Dalig Raya Village, Simalungun, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Hotel GrandDhika Setiabudi Medan. The event carried the theme “Enhancing Community Income through Ginger Candy Production from Red Ginger through Global Partnership” as an effort to strengthen the development of community flagship products based on local potential.
The event was officially opened by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization of the Faculty of Vocational Education USU, Junedi Ginting S.Si., M.Si. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between universities, government, the business sector, and international partners in supporting the development of competitive local products. He also highlighted that community service programs like this are part of the Faculty of Vocational Education USU’s commitment to making real contributions to improving community welfare through innovation and empowerment based on regional potential.
This activity served as a strategic platform to share the results of community service programs, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and discuss opportunities for developing red ginger candy products as an innovation expected to increase the income of the people of Dalig Raya Village, Simalungun Regency.
The FGD featured various speakers from both domestic and international institutions, including international partners from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Associate Prof. Dr. Azila Azmi and Siti Anis Adilah Tarmazi; an agricultural extension officer from the Ministry of Agriculture of Simalungun Regency, Jupri Sukamtar Banurea, S.T.P., M.Si.; Director of the Simalungun Regional-Owned Enterprise (BUMD), Tri Dharma Sipayung, S.E., M.Si.; representatives from the Department of Industry and Trade; PT Sultan Aren Indonesia; village officials of Dalig Raya; and media representatives.
In the presentation sessions, the speakers discussed various aspects of developing red ginger candy products, ranging from formula innovation, downstream product strategies, international marketing, to legal aspects and standardization of home industry products. The discussion also highlighted the importance of synergy between academics, government, business actors, and international partners in supporting community economic development based on local potential.
One of the main topics discussed was the development of Poger Candy, a red ginger-based product innovation using natural ingredients such as isomalt, palm sugar, and the potential use of stevia as a healthier sweetener alternative. Participants also explored opportunities for developing flavor variants based on local spices such as turmeric, nutmeg, mint, and citrus to enhance the product’s competitiveness in global markets.
International partners from UiTM Malaysia also provided input on global marketing strategies, particularly regarding product visual presentation, sensory quality, packaging design, and the inclusion of halal certification and clear product composition to meet international market standards. In the discussion session, local government representatives through the Department of Industry and Trade expressed support for the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through training programs, business legality assistance, and production equipment support.
Several key aspects discussed included Business Identification Number (NIB) ownership, PIRT certification, halal certification, and production facility standardization to enable wider market competitiveness.
Through this activity, the Faculty of Vocational Education USU hopes that the red ginger candy development program in Dalig Raya Village can become a regional flagship product that sustainably improves community welfare. Furthermore, this initiative reflects the university’s real contribution to community empowerment through innovation, global collaboration, and strengthening a local potential-based economy.
Faculty of Vocational Education Students at USU Secure PKM 2026 Funding, Applied Bachelor's Degree Programs in Applied Chemistry and Statistics Achieve Outstanding Success
NewsApplied Bachelor's Degree Program in Statistics Students of the Faculty of Vocational Education Achieve Success at the National Essay and Business Plan Catalyst Future Competition 2026
NewsInternational Webinar on Public Sector Accounting: A Platform for Learning About Transparency and Ethics in Sharia Accounting
