The Merdeka Belajar Kampus Berdampak (MBKB) Village Project Program was implemented in Playen District, Gunung Kidul Regency, carrying the theme “Initiation of the Digital Auction Market” as a form of support for the digitalization of the agricultural sector and local trade. The program took place from September 15 to October 20, 2025, and was carried out in collaboration with the Amrih Murakapi and Jaka Berek farmer groups. Through this initiative, students aimed to introduce a digital-based auction system that is transparent, efficient, and easily accessible to rural communities, particularly small business owners and farmers.
The main objective of the theme “Initiation of the Digital Auction Market” is to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) point 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. This digital market innovation demonstrates the application of information technology in agriculture, the development of rural digital infrastructure, and the advancement of smart agriculture. The program’s core activities focused on strengthening digital administration and publication systems. One of its main focuses was implementing digital bookkeeping to simplify the financial recording processes of village activities and market transactions. The digital bookkeeping system, developed using spreadsheets, enables more accurate and efficient transaction management and financial reporting.
In addition, the MBKB team developed an online-based administrative system using Google Drive, which includes archiving receipts, bookkeeping, and meeting minutes. This initiative aims to establish a well-organized, easily accessible, and sustainable documentation system for the village partners.
To enhance promotion and publicity efforts, students also created digital content such as photos and videos showcasing the activities and potential of the auction market in Playen. A key outcome of this project was the production of a digital auction market profile video highlighting the auction process, participants, and its economic impact on the local community. The team also assisted in managing Google Maps to mark the location of the Playen digital market, thereby improving accessibility and online visibility. Another significant contribution was the preparation of data trendlines to analyze commodity price developments, market activities, and the potential for local economic growth through digital tools.
Through these initiatives, the MBKB Village Project in Playen not only contributes to community empowerment but also represents a concrete step toward the digital transformation of rural economies. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) point 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, as the initiation of a digital auction market increases agricultural trade efficiency, expands market access for farmers, and stimulates local digital-based economic growth. With strong collaboration among students, village governments, and local communities, the digital auction market initiative is expected to become an innovative model that can be replicated in other areas of Playen District, Gunung Kidul, in the future.
Written by:
Team of MBKB Playen Gunkid 2025