BANDUNG, UNIKOM – As a university with the vision of becoming a Digital Entrepreneurial University, the Universitas Komputer Indonesia (UNIKOM) continues to strengthen its contribution to society through the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. This commitment is realized through Community Service (PkM) activities organized by faculty members of the Accounting Program, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at UNIKOM, by providing guidance to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) specifically, batik artisans from Garutan on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Jalan Pasir Pogor, Kampung Sayuran RT 04/RW 07, Paminggir Village, Garut Kota District.
The event, coordinated by Dr. Surtikanti, S.E., M.Si., Ak., CA., as the Executive Chair, was attended by the Dean of UNIKOM’s Faculty of Economics and Business, Prof. Dr. Siti Kurnia Rahayu, S.E., M.Ak., Ak., CA., and was also joined by all faculty members of UNIKOM’s Accounting Program. The faculty team’s presence was not merely to deliver academic material but to serve as strategic partners who listened to the needs of MSME practitioners, shared experiences, and provided guidance and mentoring to strengthen sustainable business management.
On this occasion, the Dean of the UNIKOM Faculty of Economics and Business, Prof. Dr. Siti Kurnia Rahayu, S.E., M.Ak., Ak., CA., expressed her appreciation to the Chairperson of the Garutan Batik Artisans Association and all SME operators for their warm welcome of the UNIKOM faculty team.
The series of activities then continued with a lively and interactive discussion session, during which the artisans shared various experiences regarding business development, market opportunities, and the challenges they face in preserving Garut Batik as one of Indonesia’s cultural treasures.
Garut Batik itself holds immense economic and cultural potential. The uniqueness of its motifs, production processes whether through hand-drawn or printed batik techniques—and innovative use of various materials give Garut Batik a strong competitive edge in both national and international markets. However, behind every piece of batik fabric rich in artistic value, the artisans still face various challenges in ensuring the sustainability of their businesses. One fact that emerged during the discussion was that some batik production units have had to relocate their operations to Tasikmalaya as a strategy to maintain business operations.
In addition to discussing production and marketing aspects, this event also identified a fundamental challenge still faced by most MSME operators: suboptimal management of administrative and financial record-keeping for their businesses. Until now, both production costs and sales revenue have been managed in a rudimentary manner. Business income is often used directly to meet household needs, causing business capital and profits to become intermingled without clear record-keeping. This situation makes it difficult for SME owners to accurately determine business profits or plan for future business development.
In response to this situation, Prof. Dr. Lilis Puspitawati, S.E., M.Si., Ak., CA., provided education on the importance of financial literacy as the primary foundation for business sustainability. “Financial record-keeping is often viewed as unimportant, complicated, or even a hassle. Unbeknownst to many, this is actually the key to ensuring a business can survive and thrive in the long run,” said Prof. Lilis.
Furthermore, Prof. Lilis emphasized that the first step MSME owners must take is to strictly separate business finances from personal or family finances. With proper record-keeping, business owners can objectively assess their financial condition, accurately calculate production costs, and make more informed business decisions. In addition, Prof. Lilis also expressed her hope that this event would mark the beginning of a sustainable collaboration between universities and the community to enhance the capacity of MSME owners, enabling them to grow professionally, adaptively, and competitively, without compromising the cultural values that define Garut Batik’s identity.
As a symbol of this close synergy and partnership, the event concluded with the presentation of a commemorative gift to the Chairperson of the Garut Batik MSME Association, Mrs. Ai Hendrayani, by the Head of the UNIKOM Bachelor of Accounting Program, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sri Dewi Anggadini, S.E., M.Si., Ak., CA., together with the Head of the Associate Degree in Accounting Program at UNIKOM, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wati Aris Astuti, S.E., M.Si., Ak., CA.
Through the Community Service activities of the Accounting program, UNIKOM reaffirms its commitment to continuously providing impactful education through the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. The mentoring provided to Garut Batik MSMEs aims not only to improve the financial management skills of the artisans but also to strengthen the sustainability of businesses rooted in local culture, enabling them to grow into resilient, independent, and competitive MSMEs. In line with the PIQIE culture (Professionalism, Integrity, Quality, Information Technology, and Excellence) which serves as the foundation for the institution’s development UNIKOM continues to foster the creation of various community service programs that provide tangible solutions for society. Through collaboration between universities and SME stakeholders, UNIKOM hopes to create a sustainable empowerment ecosystem while supporting the preservation of Indonesia’s cultural heritage as part of the nation’s creative economic development. (Directorate of Hms & Pro)
