Old Market Village, Karang Intan District, Banjar Regency — The community service program initiated by lecturers of Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) in collaboration with the Muhammadiyah Branch Leadership (PRM) of Pasar Lama Village has successfully opened up new business opportunities for the village community. This collaboration allows local residents to produce high-quality paving blocks.

Thanks to the support of the 2024 DRTPM Grant Program from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, this program not only provides assistance in the form of modern equipment for paving block production, but also organizes intensive training covering production techniques, material composition, and marketing strategies. This innovation is expected to be able to develop the paving block production business in the village and have a positive impact on the local economy.

The Head of the Community Service Team, Mr. Irfan Prasetia, explained that the main objective of this program is to empower partners and the community of Pasar Lama Village through the production of quality paving blocks. This is in line with the statement of the Head of PRM Pasar Lama Village, Mr. Noor Cahyo Ahmadi, who expressed his gratitude. He believes that the assistance of tools and training provided will improve the economic welfare of residents.

 

Improving the Economy of Citizens

This program focuses on increasing the productivity of paving blocks with modern equipment that makes the production process more efficient and produces high-quality products. This is expected to significantly increase people's income.

In addition to improving production quality, intensive training also equips the community with technical skills and business capabilities. They are expected to be able to not only produce quality paving blocks, but also market their products better. Mr. Solkani, a Pasar Lama Village official, is optimistic that this technological innovation will help produce competitive paving blocks in the market and ultimately improve the welfare of residents.

Ongoing Cooperation

The collaboration between ULM lecturers and PRM Pasar Lama Village is an example of synergy between universities and the community. This program is designed as a sustainable effort, where the ULM team continues to provide assistance so that the community can be independent in running a paving block production business. Mr. Ahmad Gazali Rahman, the Karang Intan Village apparatus, hopes that this collaboration will continue to strengthen community independence.

This PKM program is also expected to provide a number of positive impacts, including:
• Improve the economy by improving the quality and quantity of paving blocks.

  • Opening new job opportunities for local residents.
  • Improving quality of life through better income.
  • Developing local potential, especially in the small industry sector.

This program proves the importance of collaboration between universities and the community in supporting regional development. Mr. Wiku A. Krasna, a member of the community service team, considered this program as an important initial step in implementing innovation to improve the village economy and provide broad benefits to the community.