The purpose of this study is to 1) solve problems and optimize the potential of MSMEs in Tegalrejo, Jatijajar Village, Bergas District, Semarang Regency towards competitive advantage, 2) How to organize Tegalrejo MSMEs in Jatijajar Village, Bergas District, Semarang Regency towards competitive advantage, 3) How to develop a superior product cluster strategy. Tegalrejo, Jatijajar Village, Bergas Subdistrict, Semarang Regency, while the problems are (1) noise from traffic. (2) entertainment businesses in the form of karaoke houses, street vendors, workshops, salons, containers for used goods from traffic accidents, (3) prostitution practices (4) as a place to store evidence of traffic accidents, (4) SMEs and street vendors who are not organized resulting in a slum environment, (5) traffic jams, (6) irregular parking.
This study uses a Mix Method research approach, Bryman (2008 ).which is a combination of quantitative and qualitative combinations. By using the combined method, it is expected to be able to complement each other from the existing hypotheses. Quantitative emphasize more on technical analysis of statistical tests so that the data is more accurate, on qualitative techniques emphasize analysis of processes from inductive thinking processes related to the dynamics of the relationship between observed phenomena and always use scientific logic. Where this method is a way of formulating and interpreting existing data to provide a clear picture and provide solutions on how to develop a superior product cluster strategy for Tegalrejo Jatijajar Village, Bergas District, Semarang Regency by using (1) Observing social phenomena, identifying, revising, and re-checking the existing data. (2). Categorize the information obtained. (3). Tracing and explaining the categorization.(4). Explain the categorization relationship. (5). Draw general conclusions. (6). Build or explain the theory.The population in this study were all owners of the UMKM cluster in Tegalrejo, Jatijajar Village, Bergas District, Semarang Regency (1) processed food clusters, namely market snacks, pastries, wet cakes, crackers, cassava chips 2) cluster types of stall trading, namely basic food traders, traders vegetables (3) service type cluster, namely Beauty Salon Business, Makeup Business, HP service, and credit seller (4) Handicraft cluster, namely the manufacture of trash cans from plastic ropes, woven water hyacinth makers, (5) Tourism cluster namely Arts and Culture Business as well as tourism agents, then the government, represented by the cooperative and MSME services, 2 people, as well as consumers who use MSME products.The main data in the mixed-method research is a combination of the results of observations through the results of interviews and surveys, photos, videos, and others. In this regard, in this section, the types of data are divided into words and actions, written data sources, photos, and statistical data that are processed. In qualitative research, the instrument or research tool is the researcher himself. Therefore, the researcher as an instrument must also be ”validated” how far qualitative researchers are ready to carry out research which then goes into the field. Validation of the researcher as an instrument includes validation of understanding qualitative research methods, mastery of insight into the field under study.The results of this study are to solve problems and optimize the potential of MSMEs in Tegalrejo Jatijajar Village, Bergas District, Semarang Regency towards competitive advantage, namely through 1) Comparative studies of MSME actors, 2) Expanding Business Networks, 3) Product and raw material innovation, and marketing innovation, to how to organize MSMEs in Tegalrejo, Jatijajar Village, Bergas Sub-district, Semarang Regency towards a competitive advantage, namely by using the MSME Synergy Cycle, namely 1) MSME Cluster Meetings aimed at identifying the potential and problems of the MSME Cluster, 2) Socializing the Cluster Work Program, namely in the fields of licensing, Product Innovation, Capital, Marketing, 3) Cluster Work Program Implementation, 4) MSME Cluster Monitoring, 5) Synergizing with government programs while for the development strategy of the Tegalrejo superior product cluster, Jatijajar Village, Bergas District, Semarang Regency with 1) short-term development strategy, 2) long-term development strategy and n 3) collaborative steps for the Tegalrejo superior product cluster, Jatijajar Village, Bergas District, Semarang Regency, namely using collaboration steps, namely (1) Regional head commitment in developing MSME Clusters by providing facilities and a climate that supports the development of MSME clusters, for example creating MSME cluster display rooms which exists. (2) RPJMD with consistency of programs and activities for strengthening MSME clusters in the RPJMD of Semarang district, (3) Institutional, namely the preparation of joint institutions in strengthening MSME clusters (4) Branding, namely Branding of MSME products, namely blinding the display space of MSME products, (5) Standardization and legality UMKM cluster products, (6) Competent HR, namely the preparation of competent human resources through targeted training, (7) Collaboration, namely by collaborating with competent parties such as banks, cooperatives, and competent institutions.
Keywords: MSME, Cluster and Collaboration