Hundreds Join Karang Taruna Service Month in Barru, Boosting Local MSMEs

BARRU, JurnalPost.com — Hundreds of residents packed the Siddo Soccer Field in Soppeng Riaja District, Barru Regency, South Sulawesi, on Friday (10/30/2026). They participated in a fun walk that served as the opening event for the district-level Karang Taruna (Youth Organization) Service Month.

The event, scheduled to run until Sunday (11/1/2026), serves not only as a gathering point for the community and youth organizations but also actively involves local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The fun walk was flagged off by Barru Regent Andi Ina Kartika Sari, accompanied by Vice Regent Abustan A. Bintang and Barru Regency Regional Secretary Andi Syarifuddin Pasinringi.

Amidst the festivities, the involvement of the younger generation in regional development was a key focus. Karang Taruna is expected to go beyond organizing social activities and take an active role in driving the local economy.

Karang Taruna Encouraged to Take a Greater Role

Barru Vice Regent Abustan A. Bintang stated that regional development cannot rely solely on the government. According to him, youth organizations possess significant potential to help address various social issues at the village and district levels.

“Development is not just the duty of the Regent and myself; everyone must be involved, and Karang Taruna must take part. We cannot build Barru alone; we need collaboration from all parties, and Karang Taruna is a major force at the village and district levels,” said Abustan.

This statement positions Karang Taruna as a community element expected to be directly involved in development, particularly through social activities and community empowerment.

The presence of youth organizations down to the village level is considered a valuable asset for building civic participation. However, this role requires sustainable activities so that the benefits do not end with ceremonial events.

The Karang Taruna Service Month serves as an opportunity for youth to strengthen cooperation, expand community activities, and build relationships with various social groups.

Local MSMEs Given Space in the Event

In addition to involving youth organizations, the organizers provided space for MSME players to participate in the series of events.

The presence of local businesses is a crucial component, as events that attract large crowds offer opportunities to boost sales and introduce products to a wider audience.

Abustan believes that the involvement of MSMEs can provide economic benefits to residents, especially when community events are utilized as spaces for commercial activity.

“I appreciate that MSME players are involved in this event, creating economic circulation for the community. This aligns with our vision to encourage MSMEs to level up, become competitive, and serve as the backbone of the local economy,” he expressed.

However, the full economic impact of the event cannot yet be measured, as data regarding the number of participating MSMEs and the total transaction value during the event is not yet available.

The involvement of MSMEs at least opens opportunities for business owners to reach new potential customers amidst the crowd of community activities.

Running Until November 1, 2026

The Soppeng Riaja District Karang Taruna Service Month is scheduled to last for three days, from Friday (10/30/2026) to Sunday (11/1/2026).

Beyond serving as a means for networking, the event is expected to strengthen social awareness and encourage youth to take a more active part in community life.

Several regional government officials, district staff, village heads, and community organizations were present at the opening.

Among them were Barru Regency Karang Taruna Chairman Muhammad Ishak, Soppeng Riaja District Karang Taruna Chairwoman Kusmala Dewi, and Soppeng Riaja District Head Amirullah.

Through this event, Karang Taruna faces the challenge of maintaining youth engagement so that it is not limited to annual activities.

Sustainable participation, particularly in social activities and community economic empowerment, is a form of contribution that can be further developed by youth organizations in Barru Regency.