Mahasiswa KKN UNTAG Surabaya Hadirkan Inovasi Alat Perekat Kemasan Tempe sebagai Solusi Pengemasan…

UNTAG Surabaya KKN Students Introduce an Innovative Tempe Packaging Sealing Device as a Hygienic and Efficient Packaging Solution for MSMEs

Penulis: Elfan Adiel Prastino

Figure 1. KKN Group 1 R5 students from Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya posing for a group photo with the MSME owners after handing over the tempe packaging sealing device as an application of appropriate technology to improve the hygiene and efficiency of the production process. Source: Documentation of KKN Group 1 Team.

As part of the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly in the area of community service, the students of Community Service Program (KKN) Group 1 R5 from Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 (UNTAG) Surabaya—Elfan Adiel Prastino, Hesti, Tanya, and Surya—carried out a community service project involving the development of a Tempe Packaging Sealing Device. This project represents an application of appropriate technology aimed at assisting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in improving the quality of their tempe packaging process.

The project originated from observations and discussions conducted with local tempe-producing MSME owners at the KKN site. Based on the identified problems, it was found that the plastic packaging was still sealed using a traditional method that relied on the embers of mosquito coils. Although this method had been used for many years because it was simple and inexpensive, it was considered less hygienic for continuous use in food packaging. In addition, the sealing process was relatively time-consuming, produced inconsistent sealing results, and had the potential to reduce the overall appearance and quality of the packaged product.

In response to these findings, the KKN students took the initiative to design a simple packaging sealing device as a practical solution to the problems faced by the MSME owners. The device was designed with consideration for ease of use, affordable production costs, and simple maintenance so that it could be used sustainably by the community. This innovation was expected to replace the conventional sealing method with a process that is safer, faster, and more hygienic.

The tempe packaging sealing device was constructed using readily available materials, including a 0.25 cm steel plate as the sealing surface, a wooden frame as the supporting structure, an oil lamp as the heat source, and several additional supporting components. The device operates by utilizing the heat generated by the oil lamp to warm the surface of the steel plate. Once the plate reaches the appropriate temperature, it is used to seal the plastic packaging containing the tempe. This concept was chosen because it is simple, practical, and does not rely on complex equipment, making it suitable for the needs of MSME owners.

Before the device was introduced to the MSME owners, the KKN team conducted several performance tests to ensure that it functioned properly. After the testing phase, the team organized a demonstration session for the business owners. During this activity, the students explained the purpose of the device, demonstrated how to heat the steel plate using the oil lamp, showed the correct sealing technique, and provided guidance on proper maintenance to ensure the device remained durable and suitable for long-term use.

The operating procedure is straightforward. First, the oil lamp is lit and placed beneath the steel plate in its designated position. The plate is then heated for several minutes until it reaches the desired temperature. Once sufficiently heated, the edge of the plastic package containing the tempe is placed on the hot surface of the steel plate. The user gently presses the plastic against the heated surface for a few seconds until both sides of the plastic are securely sealed together. After sealing, the package is removed and allowed to cool briefly so that the seal becomes firm. Compared with the previous method, this process makes packaging faster, neater, and more practical.

The implementation of the tempe packaging sealing device provides several benefits for MSME owners. From a hygiene perspective, it replaces the use of mosquito coil embers, resulting in a cleaner packaging process that better supports food safety practices. From an efficiency standpoint, the sealing process becomes faster, reducing production time and increasing productivity. In addition, the neater sealing results improve the overall appearance of the product, thereby enhancing consumer confidence in its quality.

This project also demonstrates that innovation does not always require sophisticated technology or high-cost equipment. By utilizing a steel plate heated with a simple oil lamp, the KKN students successfully developed a practical solution that is easy to build, easy to operate, and well suited to the needs of the local community. This appropriate technology approach is expected to encourage MSME owners to continue improving their production processes without requiring significant financial investment.

The KKN team hopes that the device will continue to be used by the MSME owners even after the community service program has ended. Its continued use is expected to improve packaging quality, maintain product hygiene, accelerate production activities, and contribute positively to the long-term development of local tempe businesses. Through collaboration between the university and the community, various challenges faced by MSMEs can be addressed through simple innovations that provide tangible and sustainable benefits.

This project demonstrates that the role of university students within the community extends beyond simply carrying out KKN activities. Students can also serve as partners who develop practical solutions based on the real needs of the community. Through the Tempe Packaging Sealing Device innovation, it is hoped that MSMEs will benefit from a packaging process that is more hygienic, efficient, and of higher quality, thereby supporting the growth of businesses that are more competitive, independent, and sustainable.