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)
