Gunungkidul, September 10, 2026 – A community engagement team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has launched a community empowerment program in the Pantai Sepanjang area, Kemadang Village, Tanjungsari District, Gunungkidul Regency. The program aims to strengthen the added value and market potential of Ulva based products developed by the local community.
Entitled “Empowering Local Potential in Pantai Sepanjang, Gunungkidul through Packaging Technology and Digital Marketing of Ulva Products,” the program is part of the Community Engagement Program under the Development Scheme, funded by the Directorate of Community Engagement at Universitas Gadjah Mada (DPKM UGM). Led by Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., the program will provide assistance in product packaging, business management, and digital marketing to support the continued development of Ulva products.
Ulva, commonly known as sea lettuce, is a sheet-like green seaweed found along the coast of Pantai Sepanjang. Since around 2016, local residents have gradually developed ways to utilize the seaweed as a food resource, including processing it into Ulva chips and sprinkled nori. Although these products are already marketed, sales remain largely concentrated around Pantai Sepanjang, while the packaging is still relatively simple. Strengthening these aspects is therefore an important step in further developing the products.
The initial activity was attended by approximately 40 members of Pokdarwis Sayuk Rukun, a community-based tourism group involved in local product development. In her opening remarks, Pokdarwis Sayuk Rukun Chair Mrs. Suwarni expressed her appreciation for the program and encouraged community members to apply the knowledge and skills gained to strengthen their existing businesses. The activity continued with a discussion led by Abdul Razaq Chasani, focusing on challenges and opportunities for further development of Ulva products.
During the discussion, packaging development emerged as one of the key areas of focus in strengthening the products’ appeal and identity. A repackaging strategy is expected to improve the overall presentation of the products while creating greater opportunities to reach a wider range of consumers. In addition to packaging, the discussion also highlighted the importance of product standardization within Pokdarwis Sayuk Rukun. This includes maintaining consistency in product composition and information, as well as preparing the necessary business requirements, including the PIRT food production certification, halal certification, and other aspects of business legality.
Through this series of activities, the Faculty of Biology UGM seeks to strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions and local communities in developing the potential of local resources. The program is also being implemented in collaboration with the Social and Community Affairs Division of the Graduate Student Association (KMP), Faculty of Biology UGM. The assistance provided is expected to strengthen the identity and competitiveness of Ulva products, expand market access, and support the sustainability of coastal community-based businesses in Pantai Sepanjang.
The program also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
