Wow! This Unsri Community Service Team’s Tech-Driven Approach Is a New Way to Showcase Palembang’s Traditional Moist Cakes

The Sriwijaya University (Unsri) Community Service Team has introduced a new approach—incorporating technology—to promote Palembang’s traditional moist cakes.

The team has created an interactive digital catalog based on Augmented Reality (AR).

This initiative is designed to support the branding efforts of culinary-focused small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Palembang.

This is part of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology’s (KemendiktiSaintek) BIMA program under the Community Partnership Empowerment scheme, initiated by Aulia Utami Putri, S.I.P., M.Si, together with Dr. Katriza Imania, M.Si, and Annisa Rahmawati, S.I.Kom., M.I.Kom, and supported by six Unsri students.

The event took place on Friday, September 5, 2025, and was attended by 20 participants, including Yus Elisa—affectionately known as Bunda Rayya—the owner of a Palembang-style moist cake business and Chairperson of Aspenku South Sumatra.

Some of the main agenda items included product photography training led by Harry Yogsunandar, S.IP., M.I.Kom.

Practical sessions on using AR for promotion, and the launch of an interactive digital catalog that participants could try out immediately. 

In addition, the community service team also handed over innovative tools as ongoing support for their partners.

“This is an innovation that greatly helps MSMEs ensure their products are recognized by consumers at both the local and international levels,” said Aulia Utami Putri.

The AR catalog can strengthen brand recall, brand recognition, and brand awareness for local products. 

“We also believe this activity is very beneficial because it can showcase the product photography of these SMEs,” she explained.