LSPR Students Bringing Back Gotong Royong Essence in Jakarta Through “Jejak Berdaya”

Gotong Royong is an Indonesian term that reflects the spirit of mutual cooperation and helping one another within a local community. However, over time, this spirit has gradually faded in Jakarta, influenced by the city's fast-paced lifestyle and the rise of modern, individualistic values. In response, the PRDC26-2SP class from the LSPR Institute of Communication and Business launched a campaign called “Jejak Berdaya” in support of Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Inclusive Economic Growth. Through this campaign, they aim to revive the essence of Gotong Royong in Kampung Bedeng, Central Jakarta.

As part of the campaign, one of the pre-events titled "Jejak Cakap Digital dan Jejak Kreasi" (Digital and Creative Footprints Trail) was held on Saturday, June 21st, at the Matahari Public Space (RPTRA) in Cempaka Putih Timur, Central Jakarta. This event reflected the values of Gotong Royong, focusing on collaboration and mutual support by bringing together local residents, educators, and creative communities to empower micro-enterprises in Kampung Bedeng.

"Jejak Cakap Digital dan Jejak Kreasi" offered a series of engaging activities designed to strengthen participants' entrepreneurial skills through training, education, and continued mentoring. Fifteen residents from Kampung Bedeng took part in practical sessions, including a digital marketing workshop led by lecturers from the LSPR Institute of Communication and Business. They also joined a collaborative product development session with Setali Indonesia, a community focused on sustainable fashion and social enterprise.

The event aimed to equip participants not only with digital and creative skills but also with the ability to create products that hold both economic and social value. This aligns with the spirit of Gotong Royong, where communities grow stronger through shared knowledge and collective action.

Siti Adelita Raif Khadijah, M.Par., one of the speakers, expressed her hopes for the future of Kampung Bedeng:

“I hope the presence of Jejak Cakap Digital can support the growth of Kampung Bedeng as a local production hub, expanding beyond the village to reach broader markets through social media.”

Intan Anggita Pratiwie from Setali Indonesia also highlighted the importance of sustainability:

“Hopefully, this training helps residents become more aware of recycling by turning waste into marketable products. It's also a chance to develop new skills and expand Kampung Bedeng’s product range.”

"Jejak Cakap Digital dan Jejak Kreasi" is more than a training session. It serves as a platform for building stronger community ties, fostering a sense of ownership, and reviving Gotong Royong in a modern, practical way.