The Thematic Community Service (KKN) program from students of Science Education Department of Universitas Negeri Malang (UM) in Tlogomas Village, RW 7, Lowokwaru District, Malang, East Java, has introduced an innovative program to help the community manage used cooking oil waste. UM Thematic KKN students, as part of the MBKM (Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka) program by the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) of Universitas Negeri Malang, and the Regional Resource Center (PSDW) of Universitas Negeri Malang, organized this program with a focus on creating aromatherapy candles from used cooking oil as the main ingredient, complemented by a supporting program on entrepreneurship socialization.
Program Activities:
- Socialization: The program began with a community socialization session on the benefits and methods of processing used cooking oil into aromatherapy candles. This socialization aimed to raise community awareness about the dangers of indiscriminately disposing of used cooking oil and to introduce new economic opportunities from its processing.
- Collection and Processing: UM KKN students collaborated with the community to collect used cooking oil. The collected oil was then processed into aromatherapy candles with various appealing scents. The process of making these candles was learned together by students and the community.
- Educational Materials: As part of education and sustainable development, UM KKN students also created tutorial videos on making aromatherapy candles. These videos were distributed to the community so they could produce aromatherapy candles independently and market them to increase their income.
- Entrepreneurship Socialization: Additionally, UM KKN students conducted entrepreneurship socialization for the community. This aimed to equip the community with knowledge and skills in managing small businesses, including marketing strategies and product branding.
Outcomes and Impact:
The UM Thematic KKN activities in Tlogomas Village RW 7 not only helped solve environmental issues caused by used cooking oil waste but also provided new economic opportunities for the community. This program is expected to improve the community’s standard of living and encourage the creation of an independent and creative village.
Alignment with SDGs:
This program aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 12, Responsible Consumption and Production. Used cooking oil, often discarded improperly, can pollute the environment. This program transforms it into economically valuable products, such as aromatherapy candles. With enthusiasm and creativity, students can turn waste into something beneficial and economically valuable while raising community awareness about the importance of environmental preservation.
