PROPAGUL : Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat

Utilization of Organic Waste at Halu Oleo University into Compost with Economic Value

Asramid Yasin — 2025-09-30

The management of organic waste on university campuses is a critical issue requiring integrated and sustainable handling. At Halu Oleo University (UHO), over 60% of daily waste generation consists of organic materials such as leaves, twigs, and food scraps, which have not been utilized optimally. However, this organic waste holds significant potential to be processed into compost, offering benefits for soil fertility and possessing economic value within a circular economy framework. This community service initiative aimed to enhance the awareness and skills of the UHO academic community in managing organic waste through training on making Bokashi compost using EM4 bio-activator. The implementation method involved three main stages: (1) preparation of tools and materials, (2) technical training and mentoring, and (3) field implementation and evaluation, all conducted using a participatory approach within the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) framework. A total of 200 kg of dry leaves were mixed with 10 kg of bran and 10 kg of charcoal powder, then fermented using a solution of EM4 and molasses. The results indicated that the entire fermentation process was successful. The resulting compost exhibited physical and chemical characteristics that conform to the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) 19-7030-2004. Beyond reducing the volume of organic waste, this activity also stimulated the creation of an environmental entrepreneurship model through the packaging and marketing of the compost by students. Consequently, this program contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 13 (Climate Action), while strengthening the university's role as an agent of change in sustainable environmental management.

Planting Multipurpose Trees in Lameo-Meong Village, West Poleang Subdistrict, Bombana Regency

Husna Husna — 2025-09-30

This community service activity was carried out in Lameo-Meong Village, West Poleang Subdistrict, Bombana Regency, with the aim of supporting reforestation and environmental conservation efforts. The main problems faced by the village were the reduction of vegetation cover in public spaces and the decline in environmental quality due to land use that lacked ecological awareness. The community service was carried out in two stages, namely providing information on the importance of reforestation and environmental protection, as well as practical actions in the form of tree planting with the village community. The results of the activity showed that 92 multi-purpose tree seedlings were successfully planted in the village's public spaces, with the active participation of 70 people from the village community and students from the second batch of the Halu Oleo University, Kendari, real work program. The multipurpose trees planted consisted of 42 Siompu orange seedlings, 28 avocado (Persea americana) seedlings, and 22 rain tree (Samanea saman) seedlings. The direct involvement of the village community not only provided important knowledge about the importance of protecting the environment but also strengthened their sense of ownership of the planted trees as an effort to mitigate climate change and generate additional income for the local village community. Thus, this community service activity is expected to be the first step in building collective awareness and the sustainability of community-based reforestation programs in L Village

Community Empowerment Through Marketing Strategies of Sugar Palm Products for Strengthening the Local Economy in Lakapodo Village, Watopute Sub-district, Muna Regency

Sarwinda Intan Putri — 2025-09-30

This community service activity was conducted in Lakapodo Village, Watopute Subdistrict, Muna Regency, with the aim of empowering the community through a marketing strategy for aren (Arenga pinnata) products to strengthen the local economy. Aren is a multifunctional plant, with almost all parts being useful, but its utilization in Lakapodo Village is still limited to traditional processing methods. The activity was carried out through focused group discussions to identify issues, followed by training on cultivation, product diversification, and marketing strategies. The results showed that product diversification, such as palm sugar, liquid sugar, and kolang-kaling, could increase added value, shelf life, and market appeal. The application of segmentation, targeting, and marketing mix strategies also opened up opportunities for broader distribution, from local to national markets. Furthermore, the use of digital platforms, including e-commerce and social media, provided an alternative for more effective promotion and distribution. These findings align with the growing consumer awareness of healthy lifestyles, which has driven the demand for aren sugar as a natural sweetener. However, the success of the marketing strategy needs to be supported by strengthening local institutions, such as the establishment of cooperatives, as well as improving infrastructure and human resource capacity.

Introduction to Environmentally Friendly Pest Control Methods Using Natural Tobacco-Based Pesticides

Parwito Parwito — 2025-09-30

This community service activity aims to empower local farmers by introducing an environmentally friendly pest control method using tobacco-based natural pesticides. Tobacco contains nicotine, which acts as a natural insecticide effective in controlling various types of agricultural pests without causing environmental damage. The program was implemented through training that included both theoretical material and practical sessions on the preparation, extraction, and formulation of tobacco-based pesticides. The approach used in this community service is participatory, focusing on providing farmers with practical knowledge and skills to create alternative pesticides using locally available and environmentally friendly resources. The expected outcomes of this activity include reduced dependence on chemical pesticides, improved crop productivity, and increased awareness of sustainable agricultural practices within the community. Additionally, the results of this community service demonstrated an improvement in farmers' knowledge of pest control using tobacco-based pesticides, as well as their skills in effectively applying this method. In conclusion, the use of tobacco-based natural pesticides can serve as an effective solution for pest control with minimal environmental impact, supporting sustainable farming practices in local communities.

Environmental Services Education through an Interactive Nature Class for Students of Al Wahdah Integrated Islamic Elementary School (SDIT) Kendari at the Halu Oleo University Botanical Garden

La Ode Muhammad Erif — 2025-09-30

This community service activity focuses on utilizing the ecosystem functions of the UHO Botanical Garden, particularly its role as a carbon sink, to enhance the environmental understanding and awareness of elementary school students. The objectives are to improve participants' comprehension of the relationship between vegetation and climate change and to foster a pro-environmental attitude through interactive learning methods. The implementation method began with a preparation stage, which included a location survey, coordination with SD IT Al Wahdah Kendari to arrange the visit plan, and the preparation of educational materials on ecosystem services, Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), and orchid ecotourism. A collaborative team consisting of lecturers, teachers, and botanical garden staff was also formed to mentor the participants. The activity was carried out on October 16, 2025, involving 24 fifth-grade students, 1 accompanying teacher, 16 members of the service team, as well as the head and staff of the UHO Botanical Garden. The evaluation results indicated that the activity successfully increased students' knowledge of plant conservation, the role of botanical gardens in microclimate regulation, and the importance of environmental preservation. Therefore, this program was effective in transforming the ecological functions of the UHO Botanical Garden into a contextual educational medium with a tangible impact.

Environmental Education: Composting Training From Organic Waste At The Universitas Halu Oleo Botanical Garden

Junartin Teke — 2025-09-30

This community service activity aimed to enhance the knowledge and practical skills of Universitas Halu Oleo students in managing organic waste through composting training. The training was conducted at the Universitas Halu Oleo Botanical Garden, which serves as a center for conservation, research, and environmental education. One of the main environmental problems in this area is the accumulation of leaf litter that has not been optimally utilized. The activity took place on October 17, 2025, involving 20 students from the Environmental Science and Forestry Departments. The methods included lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on practice using a learning by doing approach. The composting process utilized organic materials such as dry leaves, husks, soil, water, and EM4 solution as a natural microbial activator. During decomposition, students monitored the compost weekly by observing temperature, moisture, and texture changes. The results showed that the composting process proceeded well even though it had not yet reached three months, indicated by the dark brown color and earthy smell of the materials. This activity not only provided technical skills but also fostered ecological awareness and a sense of responsibility toward sustainable environmental management.

Educational Tour for Orchid Plant Introduction at the UHO Botanical Garden for Students of SD IT Al Wahdah Kendari

Dewi Fitriani — 2025-09-30

This community service activity aimed to introduce orchid diversity and conservation importance to students of SD IT Al Wahdah Kendari through an educational tour at the UHO Botanical Garden. The method combined direct interpretation in the Orchid Collection Garden with supporting media such as information boards. The results showed high enthusiasm and increased understanding among participants in identifying orchid types and the ex-situ conservation process. In conclusion, botanical garden-based educational tourism is effective in strengthening students' cognitive, affective, and psychomotor dimensions while optimizing the garden's function as a natural laboratory for environmental education.