[RECAP] IIS UGM Emergency Response to Mitigate the Repercussions of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Together with Center for World Trade Studies (CWTS UGM), Institute of International Studies (IIS UGM) took part in alleviating the negative effects of the pandemic on businesses by participating in the community service grant scheme provided by Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIPOL UGM). Starting from 12 June 2020, the team, led by Siti Daulah Khoiriati, MA—a lecturer in the Department of International Relations UGM—implemented a program titled “Reinforcement of Women-Owned Home-Based Businesses in the Wake of COVID-19 through Social Media-Based Online Marketplace”. This activity targeted the members of all-female Koperasi Mitra Insani located in Godean, Yogyakarta, in which most of the members acted as breadwinners in the family. Amidst the pandemic, income for members of the co-op—which mostly sold F&B products—decreased as their food stalls were forced to close down to prevent transmission. Hence, the program aimed to enable the members to continue commercial activities by equipping them with digital literacy and social media utilization skills.  

As the pandemic situation required physical distancing, the program was delivered weekly through Whatsapp. For three consecutive weeks, IIS and CWTS UGM shared useful know-hows with members of the co-op which will help them in promoting and selling their goods—ranging from F&B to garments—online. The insights included elaboration on Whatsapp features for promotional purposes, ways to take decent pictures of the products, and best food packing methods. Tito Ardiyan, a professional photographer, as well as Arifah, a researcher in CWTS UGM and lecturer in the Faculty of Agriculture UGM, were invited to help in delivering the insights. 

Immediately after the sessions ended, the members practiced the previously-taught skills. They were able to utilize Whatsapp status and broadcast features to spread information about the products. Promotion became even more effective as they took better pictures with adequate lighting, right angles, as well as color contrast. Lastly, the products would stay fresh longer as the members were able to minimize oxygen exposure better.  

In order to boost online commercial activities, IIS UGM helped in creating a new online marketplace flow using Whatsapp. The members will promote their products through a Whatsapp business account organized by Ibu Askiyah as head of the co-op. Customers will view the co-op’s products through a catalogue published on the account and contact the account to place a purchase. Setting up a business account, hopefully, will centralize transactions and enable better promotion, as well as simplify organization of transactions on a larger scale. In detail, here is how the online marketplace will work: 

1. The organizer will store images of each member’s products to establish an online catalogue.
2. The organizer will include images of the products on the catalogue and promote them.
3. Customers will place purchases and finish payments via Whatsapp business account. 
4. Members will ship the goods directly to customers.
5. The organizer will hand the revenue to the members after charging an administration fee. The fee will be collected to pursue collective necessity.

IIS UGM also collaborated with jogjabregas.id, a community service initiative in the form of an information base containing insights on best ways to adapt to the pandemic practiced by people residing in Yogyakarta. The insights are placed under four themes, revolving around topics of education and welfare, including Segar Waras, Kampung Berdaya, Pintar dari Rumah, and Serba Serbi COVID. 

Through production of infographics, articles, and podcasts, IIS UGM collaborated with jogjabregas.id in disseminating information under section Kampung Berdaya. In hopes of educating the public, the program aims to share inspiring stories and honorable initiatives to maintain health, safety, and welfare set up by Yogyakarta residents in the middle of COVID-19 spread.

Writer: Brigitta Kalina, Denise Michelle, Medisita Febrina
Translator: Medisita Febrina