Unismuh Makassar encourages Sukamaju Village to develop Smart Branding and Agro-eco-tourism for Dragon Fruit

UNISMUH.AC.ID, SINJAI — The Muhammadiyah University (Unismuh) Makassar held a socialization event for the Community Empowerment Program (PDB) in the Aula of the Sukamaju Village Office, Tellu Limpoe Subdistrict, Sinjai Regency. This event marked the initial implementation of the village empowerment program, focusing on the development of smart branding and agro-eco-tourism based on dragon fruit. Thursday, October 9, 2025.

The event, which began at 08.00 WITA, was attended by approximately 39 participants, including village officials, community leaders, Karang Taruna, Merpati Farmer Group, PDB implementation teams, and Unismuh Makassar students. The socialization atmosphere was participatory, demonstrating the enthusiasm of the community towards strengthening local economic development.

Village Head of Sukamaju, Asrul Arkan, in his remarks, expressed appreciation for the presence of Unismuh Makassar, which is committed to supporting the community in developing village potential.

"We welcome this initiative from the university. The empowerment program is expected to strengthen the independence and economy of the community through the management of dragon fruit potential, which has been a prominent feature of Sukamaju," he said.

This support was also conveyed by the Chairman of Karang Taruna, Taslim Palimpoi, and the Chairman of the Merpati Farmer Group, Bagun, who stated their readiness to collaborate in every stage of the activities.

The Chairman of the Unismuh Makassar PDB Team, Dr. Abdul Wahid, S.Pd., M.Pd., explained that this event was a follow-up to a program that had been declared successful in receiving the PDB 2025 award by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) through the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology.

In his presentation, Abdul Wahid emphasized the importance of strengthening village identity and image through smart branding strategies and the development of agro-eco-tourism based on dragon fruit.

"We want Sukamaju to be a model village that combines agriculture, education, and local product image. Our approach includes training, intensive support, and the application of appropriate technology," he clarified.

The program includes several innovations, including the implementation of integrated farming systems, drip irrigation, LED lighting in demonstration areas, and the processing of agricultural waste into compost and silage. In addition, Unismuh Makassar will also assist in strengthening product narratives, packaging design, and digital promotion to increase the competitiveness of dragon fruit processed products.

This socialization marked a joint commitment between Unismuh Makassar, the Sukamaju Village Government, the Merpati Farmer Group, and Karang Taruna to realize an independent and competitive village. The event concluded with a group photo, symbolizing collaboration towards a more productive and sustainable Sukamaju.