Bangka Belitung State Polytechnic Opens Research and Internship Opportunities Through a Partnership with Local Business Candu Artisan Chocolate Artist
The Director of the Bangka Belitung State Manufacturing Polytechnic (Polman Negeri Babel) and their team with the CEO of Candu Artisan Chocolate Artist following the signing of the Cooperation Agreement in the meeting room.
On the sidelines of the Students-e 2026 event, the Bangka Belitung State Manufacturing Polytechnic (Polman Babel) hosted a visit from Merinda Haris, CEO of Candu Artisan Chocolate Artist, and her team. The visit culminated in the signing of a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) in the Director's Meeting Room on Monday (October 12, 2026).
Merinda Haris was personally welcomed by the Director of Polman Babel, I Made Andik Setiawan, Ph.D., and his staff; the meeting focused on fostering collaboration between the entrepreneur and the vocational education institution regarding chocolate production technology.
In an interview, Merinda Haris explained that her business requires technological research support from Polman Babel to develop production machinery. She noted that this partnership would create opportunities for students to undertake internships at Candu Artisan Chocolate Artist, while also enabling Polman Babel lecturers to conduct research and community service activities related to chocolate business development.
" Furthermore, I see promising potential for cocoa plantations in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province; my interest in developing a chocolate business dates back to 2020 and continues to this day," she added.
However, a significant challenge in the production process is machinery availability; the necessary equipment has historically relied on imports, creating a need for technology alternatives that can be developed locally.
"To my knowledge, Polman Babel possesses technological expertise, so we hope to attempt developing production machinery by leveraging available technology," she stated.
Meanwhile, the Director of Polman Babel, I Made Andik Setiawan, Ph.D., welcomed the collaboration between the vocational institution and the business sector, noting the opportunity to produce applied research that addresses community needs.
" Moreover, this chocolate business has significant growth potential, as its products appeal to a wide demographic—from the young to the elderly. Higher education institutions must remain close to the community and deliver applied research at the local level, including here in Bangka Belitung," he stated.
I Made added that this partnership aligns with the "Tridharma" (Three Pillars) of higher education—comprising education, research, and community service—as it enables lecturers and students to contribute to the development of production technology while supporting the sustainability of the Candu Artisan Chocolate business.
I hope this collaboration comes to fruition, bringing mutual benefits through technological innovation and the enhancement of the chocolate business in Bangka Belitung," he concluded.
