BANDUNG, UNIKOM – As competition continues to increase in the digital era, Cijerah Market is trying to adapt with new marketing strategies. One concrete step was carried out through a Smartphone Photography Training held at the Temporary Merchant Shelter (TPPS), CTC Building on August 5-6, 2025. This activity was part of the Community Service Program (PKM) BIMA Kemdiktisaintek under the 2025 Community Empowerment Partnership scheme, with Dr. Yully Ambarsih Ekawardhani, M.Sn., as the chairperson, and supported by Dr. Taufan Hidayatullah, M.Ds., from the Master of Design Study Program, and Ivan Kurniawan, M.Ds., a UNIKOM Graphic Design lecturer. The activity partner is APPETRA (Association of Traditional Market Traders) of Bandung City, which from the beginning has provided an overview of the condition of Cijerah Market, which has been established since 1982 and is now inhabited by the second to third generation of traders.
According to Dr. Yully, the main objective of the training was to improve the quality of product photos so that merchants could make better use of social media for promotion. “Good photos not only show the product, but also evoke the emotions of buyers and highlight the uniqueness of the products,” she explained.
The Head of the Master of Design Study Program, Dr. Taufan Hidayatullah, M.Ds., opened the training activity together with the Head of APPETRA Bandung City, H. Muslim Arief, and the Director of PT Mitra Karya Prospekta (MKP), Nurcholis Hakim. A total of 23 Cijerah Market traders, both from the second generation and Generation Z who are now continuing the family business, participated in the activity with great enthusiasm.
In the first session, Dr. Yully presented material on the importance of persuasive communication to strengthen product image in the digital space. She emphasized the use of effective promotional language so that the message reaches and attracts the attention of potential buyers.
The next session was led by Ivan Kurniawan, M.Ds., who equipped participants with technical photography skills using smartphone cameras. Participants were taught how to utilize simple features such as focus settings, lighting, and composition. Participants also practiced making simple lightboxes from used cardboard and makeshift lamps, allowing them to produce professional-quality product photos at minimal cost.
To conclude, participants were asked to produce photos of their merchandise. The works were then curated to select the best results. Through this PKM activity, Cijerah Market merchants not only gained new skills but also became better prepared to face marketing challenges in the digital era. With the support of higher-quality product photography, they are optimistic about expanding their market reach and enhancing their competitiveness in the face of modern competition. (Directorate of Hms & Pro)
BANDUNG, UNIKOM – APTISI or the Association of Indonesian Private Universities is an organization that accommodates all private universities in Indonesia. Established with the main purpose of fighting for, developing, and improving the quality of private higher education, APTISI acts as a bridge between PTS and the government and various other stakeholders. Through various strategic activities, APTISI encourages collaboration, policy advocacy, and institutional and human resource capacity building within private universities.
The momentum of Eid al-Fitr was utilized meaningfully by higher education circles in West Java. Located in Bandung, the Hall of the Association of Private Universities (APTISI) Region IV A of West Java Province. APTISI West Java held a grand gathering Ba’da Eid al-Fitr 1446 H which also collaborated with various important associations such as LLDIKTI Region IV, APBTSI Jabar, APPERTI Jabar, and APTIKOM Jabar.
The event, which was held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, was warm and full of kinship, besides being attended by the associations above, this event was also attended by the Director of Institutions of the Directorate General of Higher Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia Prof. Dr. Muhammad Najib, S.Tp., M.M., Deputy Governor of West Java Province H. Erwan Setiawan, S.E, Chairman of APTISI Center Prof. Dr. HM. Budi Djatmiko, M.Si., MEI., Chairman of LLDIKTI Region IV Dr. Lukman, ST, M.Hum., Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Private Higher Education Organizing Bodies (ABPPTSI) West Java Dr. H. Ricky Agusyadi, M.Si., Chairman of the Alliance of Indonesian Private Higher Education Organizers (APPERTI) West Java, and attended by Heads of Foundations, Rectors, Directors, and leaders of universities in West Java.
Silaturahmi Akbar Ba’da Idul Fitri 1446 H became a special and meaningful moment, especially for Prof. Dr. Ir. H. Eddy Soeryanto Soegoto, MT, who for the first time welcomed halal bihalal activities as Chairperson of APTISI Region IV A West Java for the period 2024-2025, as well as Rector of Universitas Komputer Indonesia (UNIKOM). As the host, Prof. Eddy expressed his deep happiness and gratitude for the extraordinary enthusiasm and support from the leaders of private universities throughout West Java who attended this activity. More than 200 participants consisting of rectors, directors, heads of foundations, and leaders of higher education associations attended in a warm family atmosphere and full of collaborative spirit. In his speech, Prof. Eddy expressed his hope that “APTISI is a joint forum for private universities in West Java that holds the vision of stepping together, progressing together, and succeeding together. We hope that all private universities in West Java will always work hand in hand, always work together to jointly advance all private universities in West Java,” said Prof. Eddy.
Followed by the Head of LLDIKTI Region IV, Dr. Lukman, ST, M.Hum, who appreciated the initiative of this gathering as a form of strengthening collaboration across higher education institutions in West Java. On behalf of the institution, he said minalaidzin walfaidzin, apologize physically and mentally. In addition, Dr. Lukman in his remarks said that “this moment of gathering is a moment for us to work together to unite forces for higher education, especially private universities, thank God as many as 1,400 more students have been saved by all of you, and I appreciate private universities that increase quotas for students studying at private universities,” said Dr. Lukman.
The highlight of the event came from the Deputy Governor of West Java, H. Erwan Setiawan, S.E who delivered a presentation entitled “West Java Provincial Government Strategy in Improving the Quality of Human Resources in West Java”. “I appreciate all private universities in West Java that have contributed greatly to the intellectual life of the nation, because private universities have a very important role in producing quality human resources and are ready to compete in this global era,” said H. Erwan (Deputy Governor of West Java).
Last but not least, the Institutional Director of the Directorate General of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Najib, S.Tp., M.M was present to give a national presentation entitled “Direction and Policy of Higher Education, Science, and Technology“, he explained that “The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) sets a policy direction that focuses on strengthening the contribution of higher education in national development through a new paradigm that includes the development of science and technology talents, transformation towards a knowledge society, and achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By responding to strategic challenges such as climate change, AI disruption, and demographic bonus, this policy is supported by 8 Presidential missions (Asta Cita), 8 quick result programs, and 17 national priority programs. Higher education is directed as a driver of development through the integration of education, research, and community service based on innovation and sustainability,” he said.
To conclude the spiritual atmosphere, the Chairman of APTISI Center, Dr. Ir. HM. Budi Djatmiko, M.Si., MEI, delivered a tausiah on the wisdom of Eid al-Fitr, inviting all attendees to make the moment of Eid as a starting point to strengthen ukhuwah and the spirit of educational transformation. Furthermore, he also interpreted this moment of friendship to unite, complete themselves in sincerity and kindness. As the Chairperson of APTISI, Dr. Ir. Budi also advised that “we APTISI want to fully support the activities carried out by the Director of Institutionalization, the Deputy Governor, and others. We, especially me who for 37 years has brought APTISI to take part nationally, of course we want to support all components of the nation, not only talking about West Java, but Indonesia and how we move forward together” said Dr. Ir. Budi.
The event ended with a joint documentation session, musafahah (shaking hands), and hospitality with all invited guests. The implementation of this APTISI Halal Bihalal event is a collaboration between the Directorate of Public Relations and Protocol of UNIKOM and Digital Technology University as well as donor support from various universities in West Java.
Silaturahmi Akbar Ba’da Idul Fitri 1446 H organized by APTISI West Java became a meaningful momentum, not only as a halal bihalal event, but also as a strengthening of synergy and collaboration between higher education institutions in West Java. The presence of various stakeholders ranging from higher education leaders, education associations, to central and regional government figures, shows solidarity and joint commitment in building adaptive, collaborative, and sustainable higher education. (Directorate of Hms & Pro)
