Community Mentoring to Strengthen Souvenir Production Capacity in the Marine Tourism Context of Rupat Island, Indonesia

Irdayanti Irdayanti; Fitria Ramadhani Agusti Nst; Jon Afrizal

doi:10.54471/khidmatuna.v7i1.4082

Authors

Irdayanti Irdayanti Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau
Fitria Ramadhani Agusti Nst Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau
Jon Afrizal Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54471/khidmatuna.v7i1.4082

Keywords:

Community Mentoring, Souvenir Development, Participatory Action Research, Capacity Building, Marine Tourism

Abstract

Rupat Island has substantial marine tourism potential, yet community-based souvenir production remains limited. This community engagement programme examined the immediate outcomes of participatory mentoring designed to introduce souvenir-making and product-presentation skills. Conducted in Rupat District, Bengkalis Regency, in July–August 2024, it involved 30 residents organised into five groups. Activities followed a Participatory Action Research (PAR)-informed sequence of needs assessment, joint planning, demonstration, supervised production, observation and reflection. Two days of practical work yielded 469 items: 110 yarn-based, 132 fabric-based, 122 acrylic and 105 bead-based souvenirs. Descriptive pre- and post-programme records showed increases in reported destination-promotion awareness (20.0% to 90.0%), production ability (0.0% to 100.0%), packaging knowledge (16.7% to 86.7%) and business intention (26.7% to 93.3%). These figures represent aggregate short-term indicator attainment, not verified individual gains or sustained economic benefits. The programme established an introductory basis for collaborative production; place-specific design, product quality, market acceptance and continuity require further assessment.

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