Pemanfaatan Labu Kuning sebagai Produk Inovatif Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises

Abstract

This study explores the utilization of pumpkin as an innovative product by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Perupuk Village to strengthen the creative economy and empower the local community. The research aims to identify how local resources can be transformed into value-added products that support sustainable rural entrepreneurship. The study employed a participatory approach through community service activities involving members of the village’s Family Welfare Empowerment Group. Data were collected through field observations, interviews, and participatory evaluation. The results indicate that training in pumpkin-based food processing successfully enhanced participants’ skills, creativity, and confidence in entrepreneurship. The participants produced innovative products such as pumpkin cake with appealing taste and texture, which received positive responses from the local market and began to be sold in nearby shops, local fairs, and community bazaars. This initiative not only increased household income but also fostered social cohesion, self-reliance, and creative collaboration among community members. The transformation of pumpkin from an undervalued agricultural commodity into a high-value product demonstrates the potential of local resources in supporting the growth of the creative economy. The implications of this study highlight the importance of sustained mentoring, digital marketing training, and packaging innovation to ensure business continuity and competitiveness. Future initiatives should focus on strengthening entrepreneurial literacy and expanding marketing networks so that pumpkin-based Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Perupuk Village can serve as a sustainable model of community empowerment and local economic development.