Local Specialty Product Innovation of Tilapia Fish Nugget “Spirunila” through the Empowerment of Karangtaruna Pemuda Mudi Gabahan (PMG) and Persons with Disabilities in Mulur Village

Abstract

This community service program was initiated due to the suboptimal utilization of tilapia production in Mulur Village, Bendosari Sub-district, Sukoharjo, which reaches 1,066.17 tons per year. The absence of a formal business entity, limited diversification of local processed products, and minimal application of processing technology have hindered the maximization of the fisheries’ economic potential. The program aimed to develop an innovative local food product, “Nugget Fortified with Spirulina and Omega-3” (Spirunila), by engaging the youth organization Karangtaruna Pemuda Mudi Gabahan is PMG and persons with disabilities through a Joint Business Group is KUBA approach. The method applied was the Participatory Learning System (PALS), consisting of awareness building, capacity development, mentoring, and institutionalization. Activities included technical training in production and business management, the use of appropriate technology, nutritional content testing, packaging design, and digital branding and marketing strategies. The implementation of the program has been proven to enhance partners’ capacity across various indicators, including knowledge acquisition, motivation, mastery of production technology, production skills, entrepreneurship, empowerment and inclusivity, as well as digital marketing, with an average improvement of 95.66 per cent. In conclusion, locally based product innovation, when supported by structured community empowerment, can enhance community welfare and strengthen the identity of tourism villages.