Surabaya, December 3, 2024 – The Entrepreneurship Study Program of the University of Muhammadiyah Lamongan (UMLA) held a Community Service (PKM) activity at the Class I Surabaya Penitentiary (Lapas), Porong. The event was led by UMLA entrepreneurship lecturer, Noer Rafikah Zulyanti, S.Sos., M.A., who presented a presentation on Branding Products Made by Inmates. During the event, Ms. Rafikah—as she is familiarly known—explained the importance of branding strategies in increasing the added value of products, particularly those produced by inmates. She stated that, even though they are made in prison, these products are of high quality and have promising market potential.

"Branding is the key to opening the door to a wider market. Products from prison can compete as long as they are packaged with a strong and attractive image," Ms. Rafika stated in her presentation.

Following the presentation, the event continued with a visit to the production area within the prison. Participants were invited to tour the production process of various products, such as furniture, handicrafts, and other works made by inmates. They also visited a showroom displaying superior products developed at the Class I Surabaya Penitentiary. The event, which took place on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, received a positive response from the prison administration. This collaboration is expected to be the beginning of a sustainable synergy between academia and correctional institutions, particularly in efforts to empower the economy and strengthen the capacity of inmates [Kwu-Ed].