UNS — The Student Community Service Program (KKN) Research Group (RG) 51 from Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta has launched a program to innovate and develop a community-based essential oil business in Tanen Hamlet, Kemuning Village, Ngargoyoso District, Karanganyar Regency. This program is one of the main projects of KKN RG “Essential Oil Plant Development,” organized by students from the Faculty of Agriculture (FP). Under the guidance of Field Supervisor Prof. Dr. Ir. Ahmad Yunus, M.S., the initiative aims to empower the local community by utilizing abundant local resources.
In this project, KKN UNS RG 51 involved the local Women Farmers Group (KWT) as the primary participants, with around 10 to 20 members taking part. The participants received intensive training in producing various essential oil-based products, including perfumes, massage oils, room fresheners, and aromatherapy candles. All these products are made using essential oils derived from local commodities, enhancing not only the participants’ skills but also adding value to the products they create.
“We see great potential in the essential oil commodities in Kemuning Village, especially in Tanen Hamlet. Through this program, we hope to help improve the community’s economic welfare by providing practical and sustainable training. The products produced can be marketed as village flagship products that are not only highly competitive but also have higher market value,” Yusuf Ardianto, an Agribusiness student and leader of KKN RG 51 UNS, said.
Moreover, the team designed this program to encourage the development of local entrepreneurship. With the support and guidance provided by KKN UNS RG 51, it is hoped that the local KWT can continue to develop this business independently after the KKN program concludes. This aligns with the group’s vision to establish Kemuning Village as a widely recognized essential oil production center, both locally and nationally.
This innovation program is expected to be a tangible example of how community empowerment through the development of local commodities can have a significant positive impact, both economically and socially.
“The hope is that with the introduction of innovation and development by KKN UNS RG 51, the community of Tanen Hamlet, Kemuning Village, Ngargoyoso District, can continue to explore the potential of local commodities to boost economic and social growth,” Yustitia Hasna’ Ramadhani, a Food Technology student and member of KKN UNS RG 51, added.
HUMAS UNS
Reporter: Annisa Fakhira
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
