Promoting Sustainable Energy in Kepyar Village

The Head of UNS KKN Group 133, Alif Ilham Virdaus, highlighted the program’s main goal. It aimed to educate the community about charcoal briquettes. Unlike firewood, briquettes offer a cleaner and more sustainable energy solution.

“Most Kepyar Village residents still use firewood for cooking, which contributes to deforestation and air pollution. To tackle this, we introduced ‘Production and Utilization of Charcoal Briquettes as an Alternative Energy Source for Stoves.’ This program primarily engages women from the village’s PKK (Family Welfare Empowerment) group,” Alif stated in an interview with uns.ac.id on Monday (17/2/2025).

Using Local Organic Waste for Briquette Production

Alif explained that the training utilized organic waste such as sawdust, coconut shells, and agricultural residues. “By using locally available materials, the community can produce a cost-effective and sustainable fuel source,” Alif said.

Step-by-Step Charcoal Briquette Training

One of the program executors, Habib, detailed the training process. Participants learned how to:

1. Gather raw materials such as corn cobs and sawdust.
2. Carbonize the materials to turn them into charcoal.
3. Grind the charcoal into fine powder.
4. Mix it with a natural binder, like tapioca starch.
5. Mold and dry the briquettes before use.

“We guided the participants through each stage, ensuring they understood and could apply the techniques effectively,” Habib explained.

Positive Impact on the Community

The training received enthusiastic feedback from the residents, especially PKK women. Eni, Head of Kepyar Village’s PKK, appreciated the initiative and its practical benefits.

“This program is significantly beneficial for us. Our village has plenty of discarded corn cobs, which often go to waste. Now, we can turn them into something valuable,” she said.

In addition, charcoal briquettes help reduce reliance on LPG gas, which often experiences price fluctuations and supply shortages. The initiative also opens business opportunities for residents interested in selling briquettes as an additional source of income.

Sustainable Future Prospects

Students from UNS KKN Group 133 hope Kepyar Village residents will continue developing their briquette-making skills. This initiative not only reduces excessive firewood consumption but also promotes sustainable energy practices.

“We encourage PKK women and other residents to apply this knowledge. With proper management, charcoal briquette production could become profitable, improving the local economy,” Alif noted.

This initiative showcases UNS students’ commitment to empowering rural communities through sustainable solutions. By promoting simple yet innovative alternatives like charcoal briquettes, villagers can access affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly energy sources. The program also supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, which advocates for reliable and modern energy access for all.

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The event, titled “Traveling and Teaching,” aimed to provide quality reading materials. This initiative was designed to enhance the knowledge and insights of the students at Sekolah Peradaban. Additionally, it sought to foster reading interest and literacy among the children.

The participants in this activity were master’s and doctoral students from various study programs at UNS. These students are members of the LPDP Scholarship Recipients Association. They collaborated with ANDI Publisher (Yogyakarta), Ziyad Books (Surakarta), and the Cerdas Kimia YouTube channel. The teaching staff at Sekolah Peradaban Magelang also supported the program. A total of 13 students and 4 teachers from the school participated in the activity.
In a statement to

In a statement to uns.ac.id on Monday (20/1/2025), Julhan Irfandi, Chair of the Organizing Committee, explained that the activity was a form of community service in the field of education. He emphasized that the LPDP UNS program would continuously conduct this initiative.

“Through this book donation and one-day teaching activity, we aim to increase the children’s interest in reading and enhance literacy at the school. We also aim to extend similar activities to other schools or educational foundations in need,” Julhan explained.

Saras, the Founder of Sekolah Peradaban Magelang, expressed her gratitude for the contribution of the LPDP UNS students. She stated that the activity was highly beneficial for her students. Furthermore, she extended her heartfelt thanks for the books and teaching provided. “We are deeply grateful to the LPDP scholarship recipients at UNS. The books donated sparked the children’s enthusiasm for learning and captured their interest,” Saras said.

The Traveling and Teaching activity began with the handover of books from UNS students to Sekolah Peradaban. Ike Nur Syamsiah, a master’s student in Geography Education at UNS, conducted the following teaching session. Ike delivered a lesson on disaster mitigation, starting with earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. “We explained the signs of volcanic eruptions, such as earthquakes. Additionally, we outlined the actions to take during these events,” Ike said.

The session included visuals and songs to make the material easier for the children to remember. Additionally, Ike and the team conducted a simulation of a volcanic eruption. This captivated the children and encouraged their active participation.

Representing the student team, Gayus Yudha Girsang, a master’s student in Civil Engineering at UNS, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to teach and donate books to the students at Sekolah Peradaban. “We hope the student team can deliver even better activities in the future,” he concluded.

This community service activity aligns with LPDP’s efforts to achieve the fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Specifically, it focuses on ensuring quality education by providing education to those in need.

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The program was led by UNS Master’s students Julhan Irfandi, Anindhita Saviorel Rivaldy, Anggie Rahmatul Azizah, and Shafira Meidy Savitri. They collaborated with the Community Service Team from Stikes Mambaul ‘Ulum Surakarta and local leaders, including LPDP scholarship recipients from UNS, with support from the Wonorejo Village Head and local PKK (Family Welfare Empowerment) members. The event was attended by 35 adolescents aged 15 to 18.

To uns.ac.id on Tuesday (14/1/2025), Julhan Irfandi explained that the program began with measurements of participants’ height and weight to calculate their Body Mass Index (BMI). The team then conducted early screenings for non-communicable diseases by checking blood pressure, random blood sugar levels, and uric acid levels. “This screening aims to prevent and identify potential health issues in adolescents, such as hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic disorders, which are no longer limited by age,” Julhan explained.

Sharing Education on Nutrition Awareness

The team also provided nutrition education as a promotive and preventive effort using visually engaging booklets. The booklets were designed to deliver structured and systematic information, making it easier for participants to grasp the concepts of balanced nutrition and healthy body image. Combining text, images, and graphics, the booklets also served as reference material participants could revisit at home.

“The core goal of this initiative, held on November 10, 2024, was to raise adolescents’ awareness of the importance of balanced nutrition,” Julhan added.

Through this education, the team hopes to encourage healthier eating habits among adolescents. With support from various stakeholders, the program aspires to have a long-term impact on creating a healthier younger generation.

The program will expand with a workshop involving both parents and adolescents to discuss healthy eating habits and support optimal nutritional status. In addition, collaboration with local youth health posts (Posyandu Remaja) will be initiated to reach more adolescents and provide ongoing nutrition education.

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Chair of the Christmas Celebration Committee, Prof. Ari Natalia Probandari, dr., M.P.H., Ph.D., explained that the Baksos was part of the 2024 Christmas and 2025 New Year celebrations. “This is an annual activity conducted by the joint Christian Community of UNS and ISI Surakarta,” Prof. Ari stated.

The program specifically targeted cleaning service staff from UNS and ISI Surakarta. “Our target is 125 cleaning service staff from both campuses. We chose to focus on them because they play a vital role in maintaining campus cleanliness. Through these health check-ups, we hope they can better understand their health conditions,” she added.

The health examinations included blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and uric acid tests. Participants also had the opportunity to consult with medical professionals about their results.

“We provided free consultations with doctors, including specialists in ENT, pulmonology, and dentistry. To support this program, we collaborated with UNS Hospital, the UNS Medical Center, and the Faculty of Medicine (FK) UNS,” Prof. Ari elaborated.

While waiting for their turn, participants received education from young doctors of FK UNS about healthy living habits.

“We hope this social service event can benefit our cleaning service colleagues,” Prof. Ari said.

The Head of the UNS Medical Center Unit, Dr. Selfi Handayani, dr., M.Kes., expressed her gratitude to the Christian Community of UNS and ISI Surakarta for entrusting the clinic to host the Baksos event.

One of the cleaning service staff from UNS, Sanem, shared her excitement about participating in the free health check-ups.

“I hope this becomes a regular event so that cleaning staff can monitor their health,” Sanem said.

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The team comprised four members: Muh. Anan Wais Lahay, S.Tr.Kes, as the team leader; Erlangga Yusa Bachtiar, S.K.M; Sari Tyaswikaning Aji, S.H.; and Miswanto, S.Tr.RMIK, all of whom are students from the UNS Postgraduate Public Health Science Program.

“PKM partnered with the PADIMAS Elderly Group under Jasmine 2 Primary Clinic, led by Mr. Joko Prabowo, S.Pd, and supported by Mrs. Sari Tyaswikaning Aji, S.H., the Head of Jasmine 2 Primary Clinic. The activities were funded personally and took place at Gleges Street Number 23, Priobadan, Sriwedari Village, Laweyan District, Surakarta City,” Muh. Anan Wais Lahay, S.Tr.Kes explained in an interview with uns.ac.id on Tuesday (24/12/2024).

Several activities have been carried out, including education on Diabetes Mellitus and the implementation and monitoring of physical activities in the form of diabetes exercise sessions conducted by the PADIMAS Elderly Group. This program was held over two sessions.

PADIMAS members were given the opportunity to learn various healthy lifestyle practices for individuals with Diabetes Mellitus. Following this, the UNS community service team organized a health exercise session specifically designed for diabetes patients, which was followed by blood sugar level checks after the exercise. The participants were very enthusiastic about this activity.

The first session began with participants completing a questionnaire before receiving educational materials and filling out another questionnaire afterward to assess their understanding of the provided information. The second session started with a blood sugar level check before the exercise, followed by another check after the session concluded.

During the educational activity, the UNS community service team introduced the definition of diabetes, its causes, and the symptoms it may present. Additionally, the session covered topics such as blood sugar level management, the importance of physical activity, the characteristics of healthy foods, adherence to medication schedules, and proper dietary patterns and portions for individuals with Diabetes Mellitus.

After delivering the educational materials, participants were rewarded with door prizes for correctly answering questions about the topics discussed, adding an interactive and motivational element to the session.

During the second activity, the UNS community service team and PADIMAS conducted a health exercise session, which began with a blood sugar level check before the exercise and concluded with another check afterward. This activity aimed to assess the impact of physical exercise on blood sugar levels in individuals with Diabetes Mellitus.

After collecting data on blood sugar levels and participants’ knowledge, the team conducted a detailed analysis. The results showed a significant impact of physical activity in reducing blood sugar levels. Additionally, the analysis of the educational session revealed an improvement in participants’ knowledge following the Diabetes Mellitus education program.

Several PADIMAS members expressed that the program provided significant benefits and motivated PADIMAS elderly members to remain consistent in engaging in physical activities and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

This activity supports UNS in achieving two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3) and Quality Education (SDG 4).

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The objective of this new tourism development is to enhance the destination’s appeal by offering unique and innovative experiences to visitors. The primary goal is to stimulate local economic growth by creating new job opportunities. The development is expected to improve the quality of life for residents, build a positive image for the destination, and raise environmental awareness among visitors and the community.

“We hope this tourism development will drive economic growth for the local community and increase environmental awareness among visitors and residents. Achieving these goals will ensure that the project delivers significant long-term benefits to the community and its visitors,” Elma Dwi Puspita, one of the students from UNS KKN Group 333, explained in an interview with uns.ac.id on Monday (2/9/2024).

Bukit Mitis, situated in Dawuhan Hamlet RT 4/RW 4, Blumbang Village, Tawangmangu District, Karanganyar Regency, Central Java, is part of the Tawangmangu natural tourism area. It is a natural tourist destination offering camping experiences and various exciting attractions in a beautiful and serene environment. The landscape is suitable for all age groups, allowing visitors to enjoy quality time with their families in the outdoors, with comfortable and safe facilities.

On Tuesday (23/7/2024), members of KKN UNS Group 333 and the Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) had the opportunity to hike to the peak of Bukit Mitis as part of creating promotional video content for Bukit Mitis, intended for social media.

As part of their efforts to develop tourism at Bukit Mitis, KKN UNS Group 333 also initiated and analyzed several potential attractions that could be realized at Bukit Mitis, presented in the form of a business plan. This business plan was presented on Thursday (8/8/2024) at the Blumbang Village Hall.

“Some of the attractions that our team planned and presented as efforts to develop tourism at Bukit Mitis include a cable car, an 88-meter Ferris wheel, and a hot air balloon, which could potentially be the first and only one in Indonesia, offering breathtaking views of the hills,” Elma added.

With the tourism development initiated by KKN UNS Group 333, Bukit Mitis is expected to become a premier destination for tourists seeking unique experiences such as hiking, family camping, glamping, cable cars, and hot air balloons. Proper management and effective marketing strategies will ensure the success and sustainability of this venture.

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Reporter: Annisa Fakhira

Editor: Dwi Hastuti

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The workshop took place at the Kenep Village Hall on Wednesday (31/7/2024). The objectives of the event included increasing knowledge on recycling techniques, promoting economic empowerment, and fostering creativity in the community.

Participants were educated on the characteristics of batik fabric scraps and coconut shell waste, as well as their environmental impact. They learned how to recycle and repurpose these materials into useful products, such as handicrafts or building materials.

Dimas, the leader of KKN Group 227, emphasized the importance of the workshop in encouraging participants to develop innovative ways to process and utilize waste, potentially creating valuable products from batik fabric and coconut shells.

“This workshop offers an opportunity for participants to create new economic opportunities through effective waste management, such as starting small craft-based businesses or producing recycled goods,” Dimas explained in a press release received by uns.ac.id on Tuesday (13/8/2024).

He added that the workshop’s goal was to equip the women with new skills to turn coconut shell waste and batik fabric scraps into economically valuable crafts, thereby providing additional family income and enhancing creativity and productivity. “We hope this initiative marks the beginning of broader efforts to empower the Kenep Village community. Let’s actively participate, share knowledge, and continue innovating in craft-making,” Dimas urged.

The event, organized in collaboration with the Kenep Village PKK Team, began with remarks from Sri Budiyanti, the head of the PKK Team. This was followed by a presentation from Dyah Yuni Kurniawati, S.Sn., M.Sn., the workshop’s source person and a field supervisor lecturer for KKN Group 227 UNS.

“This workshop can enhance the skills of the women participants and create sustainable opportunities,” Dyah Yuni Kurniawati noted.

Kenep Village Head, Muh. Siddik Pramana, S.E., highlighted that the workshop successfully produced creative items, such as batik flower brooches and coconut shell keychains, made by each PKK Team member. These products not only reflect the participants’ skills and creativity but also symbolize the collaboration and empowerment of the village community.

“We must creatively repurpose various types of waste found around our homes to minimize unused waste, which can become mosquito breeding grounds. Kenep Village, known for its tourism and various MSMEs, including food and beverage products like Jenang, Wajik, and Wingko, which require grated coconut and coconut milk, as well as fashion items like batik fabric, can greatly benefit from this. Let’s use the waste around us as a means to continuously innovate and develop Kenep,” Muh. Siddik said.

The hope is that this workshop will provide lasting benefits. KKN Group 227 UNS encourages all residents of Kenep Village to actively participate in future activities.

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Under the guidance of Lina Ari Astuti, the Bagas Waras Women’s Farmer Group is dedicated to improving women’s knowledge and skills in agriculture and natural ingredient processing. This group consists of determined and enthusiastic women striving to develop the agricultural potential and natural ingredient processing in their area. With a strong vision, they are committed to making Family Medicinal Plants (TOGA) a sustainable source of livelihood.

“Based on the vision of the Bagas Waras KWT, the RG D3 Pharmacy UNS team contributes to achieving this vision through efforts such as training on utilizing TOGA to create traditional scrubs,” Ulfa explained on Friday (7/6/2024).

The event began with an educational session on cosmetics, their functions and purposes, and the various types of commonly used cosmetics. This session was presented by a lecturer in Cosmetic Technology, apt. Sholichah Rohmani, M.Sc.

Following the educational session, the event continued with a demonstration on making cream and powder scrubs using TOGA plants. The ingredients used included simplified powders from ylang-ylang, moringa, gotu kola, roselle, turmeric, and jasmine. The demonstration was led by Ulfa, with assistance from Lina Ari Astuti and several experienced KWT members in natural ingredient processing.

Results and Impact of Training

The training, held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, was attended by 30 enthusiastic members of the Bagas Waras KWT, who actively participated. They not only gained new knowledge about natural cosmetics but also practical skills in making traditional scrubs that can be used daily or even sold as homemade products.

Ulfa expressed her hope that this training would enhance the welfare of Bagas Waras KWT members by opening new business opportunities based on local natural resources. “We hope that traditional scrubs from TOGA plants can become a village’s supreme product and provide economic benefits to the community,” Ulfa said.

With a spirit of togetherness and innovation, the RG D3 Pharmacy UNS team, in collaboration with the Bagas Waras Women’s Farmer Group, continues to develop the potential of agriculture and natural ingredient processing, making TOGA a sustainable source of livelihood.

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Editor: Dwi Hastuti

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The objective was to enhance teenagers’ knowledge about puberty and reproductive health, which is crucial for preventing sexual harassment and early pregnancies among adolescents. Dr. Dhoni Akbar Ghozali, the head of the PKM HGR HKINES team, emphasized the importance of young people understanding reproductive health.

“By educating teenagers about puberty and good reproductive health, we hope to prevent and reduce the incidence of sexual harassment and early pregnancies among teenagers,” he stated.

One of the key aspects of reproductive health highlighted in the program was breast health. The PKM HGR HKINES team introduced the method of breast self-examination (BSE) for early detection of breast cancer.

The event began with educational sessions on the topics of “Reproductive Education,” presented by Dr. Desy Kurniawati Tandiyo, dr., Sp. KFR. and “Breast Self-Examination (Sadari),” delivered by Dr. Inge Pramaratu, Sp. An. The reproductive education covered topics such as puberty, reproductive organ health, and education on preventing sexual harassment.

Additionally, the female students received education on breast cancer, guidance, and training on how to perform breast self-examinations (Sadari). FK UNS students assisted the PKM HGR-HKINES team in conducting the activities.

The socialization was highly interactive, with a Q&A session allowing students to engage directly with the doctors, discussing the topics presented. This discussion aimed to enable students to share and deepen their understanding of the subjects covered.

Pre-tests and post-tests were also conducted before and after the sessions to measure the students’ knowledge gains. Dr. Dhoni Akbar Ghozali expressed his hope that the students and teachers would gain valuable insights into puberty and reproductive health, helping to prevent sexual harassment and early pregnancies.

The Vice Principal of SMP Negeri 1 Surakarta, Ika Kartika Sari, S.E., welcomed the initiative and thanked the FK UNS team for organizing such an informative event.

“We hope that this activity will enhance the students’ knowledge, particularly in reproductive education, sexual harassment prevention, and reproductive health, which they can share with those around them, thereby increasing awareness across all levels of society,” she remarked.

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Reporter: R. P. Adji

Editor: Dwi Hastuti

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The team consists of Muhammad Iksan Bima Aria Pratama, Muhammad Choirul Anam, Alka Adi Nugroho, Reyza Fachrezy Putra, Muhammad Nur Hidayat, Monalisa Indah Parawansa, Zahra Fadilla Ekasuci, Arlinda Dwi Restanti, Yuliyana Ayunta Solikhah, and Ayu Nur Fayza. These UNS students are advocating the theme of Sustainable Energy as a form of education for the community, especially in Kepyar Village, Wonogiri, about the importance of transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy.

Reyza Fachrezy Putra, a member of UNS KKN Group 26, conveyed that such activities can prepare future generations to be aware of the importance of sustainable energy in the times to come.

“This activity can enhance students’ knowledge about the importance of renewable energy, especially solar energy, in daily life,” Reyza explained on Monday (18/3/2024).

The UNS KKN students also conducted a feasibility study analysis for PLTS for water pumps. This was done not only to implement the use of green energy from solar energy but also to save on electricity bills for operating water pumps.

Sutrisno, the manager of the Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) and the local Neighborhood Association (RW) leader, shared the energy-related issues faced by his residents. He added that the current electricity supply sometimes cannot power the water pumps due to the high power demand and the need for voltage stability. Hence, UNS KKN Group 26 conducted a feasibility study for PLTS.

“One refill costs up to 200,000 rupiahs but only lasts for one night,” Sutrisno said.

Agus Ramelan, the field supervisor for UNS KKN Group 26, hopes that this feasibility study can be considered and assist the village in solving several issues regarding water pumps when they are to be implemented.

“PLTS is beneficial for maintaining stable power quality, especially voltage,” Agus Ramelan explained.

Muhammad Nur Hidayat, the student in charge of the activities, stated the feasibility of installing PLTS. The need for water pumps in the village prompted the feasibility of installing PLTS. The area has good solar radiation of around 5.2 kWh/m2.

Another program conducted is the socialization of sustainable energy with the community. UNS KKN students reported the results of the feasibility study for using PLTS for water pump purposes in Kepyar Village. The activity went smoothly, and participants were enthusiastic about attending the socialization, actively engaging in discussions during the Q&A session.

Several KKN programs by students are a form of implementing knowledge acquired during lectures. This is then applied in the form of community service. This serves as a tangible example of how higher education can directly contribute to society.

Children are involved from an early age to understand the importance of sustainable energy so they can contribute more in the future. The community is engaged as individuals who can initiate the energy transition from now on. Thus, with the involvement of children and the community, a cycle of sustainable clean energy can be created from now into the future. Humas UNS

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