PENGEMBANGAN KREATIVITAS MAHASISWA PROGRAM STUDI KEWIRAUSAHAAN UNIMED MELALUI PELATIHAN MEMBATIK DI UMKM BATIK BATAK MELAYU DESA BANDAR SETIA

Abstract

This community service activity aims to enhance the creativity of students in the Entrepreneurship Study Program at Universitas Negeri Medan (UNIMED) through batik-making training at Batik Batak Melayu MSME in Bandar Setia Village. The program was initiated due to the low level of student participation in local wisdom-based activities and the limited ability to develop business ideas that reflect regional cultural identity. Through this training, students were expected to integrate cultural values into creative products with economic potential, thus bridging academic knowledge with real entrepreneurial practice. The methods implemented included field observations, interviews with MSME owners, batik-making workshops, and mentoring sessions on design innovation and production using Batak and Malay motifs. During the activities, students actively participated in learning the canting technique, applying natural dyes, and creating modern batik designs that retained traditional aesthetics. The results show that this program successfully improved students’ creativity, technical skills, and understanding of culture-based creative industries. Moreover, it strengthened collaboration between the university and local MSMEs, fostering sustainable partnerships in product development and digital marketing. This initiative also brought significant benefits to the MSME by helping expand its market reach, promote local batik motifs, and preserve traditional cultural values. Therefore, this program not only empowered students to become creative entrepreneurs but also contributed to regional economic empowerment and the preservation of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.