Digital Transformation and Legal Empowerment of Village MSMEs: Kuningan Regency Case Study

Abstract

This community service initiative was driven by the need to strengthen the capacity of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in three villages in Kuningan Regency—Cipasung, Cageur, and Sukarasa—which produce local goods such as rengginang, saroja, and Lirabika coffee, but face significant limitations in production, marketing, and business legality. The objective of this program is to enhance the competitiveness of rural MSMEs through digital transformation and formal business registration. The implementation method involved field observations, in-depth interviews, and hands-on training with a participatory and community-based approach. Findings revealed that traditional production methods, word-of-mouth marketing, and lack of access to formal legality and digital tools were key barriers. In response, an integrated training model was developed covering digital marketing, business legalization facilitation, improved packaging design, and the provision of internet infrastructure and digital tools. The results showed an increase in participants’ knowledge and skills in utilizing digital platforms and completing legal registration processes. The implication of this activity suggests a strategic direction for developing rural economies through MSME empowerment aligned with digital trends, and it is recommended that this model be replicated in other rural areas with local adaptation.