Universitas Indonesia (UI), through the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), held a community service program (pengmas) in Pondok Cina Village, Beji District, Depok City. The program, which started from April to October 2024, aims to introduce environmental sustainability practices through waste management, making organic fertilizers, and gardening at the household level.
This program is part of an effort to support the net-zero emission (NZE) movement by teaching the processing of organic waste into compost. According to the community service team, this step not only helps reduce household waste, but also supports cost savings in gardening. The team consists of two FEB lecturers, Dr. Evony Silvino Violita, Ak., CA., and Dr. Dwi Hartanti, Ak., CA., along with three FEB UI students, namely Reza Zulkarnain Azhari, Abdullah Yusuf, and Sofia Rahma Aulia.
“This is very relevant to the conditions of Depok, which is in a waste emergency and provides useful skills for housewives. Making liquid organic fertilizer is an economical and environmentally friendly solution for the need for plant-based fertilizers and pesticides. In addition, this program also encourages mothers to start gardening in their yards,” said Dr. Evony Silvino Violita, a volunteer and lecturer at FEB UI.
In addition to the method of gardening with pots and polybags, participants are also introduced to hydroponic techniques, which are very suitable for those who have limited land. By growing their vegetables, families can not only save on groceries but also ensure better food quality.
This program is also supported by the local community. Speakers from Indonesia Berkebun are invited to provide training to residents. “Some of the most active participants are included in the gardening academy by Indonesia Berkebun. They will later disseminate the knowledge they have gained to the gardening community in this area,” said Dr. Evony.
She added that this program not only supports family food security by saving on vegetable shopping, but also improves health by consuming organic food. The inorganic waste produced is also managed by selling it to a waste bank, which provides economic benefits while reducing the volume of waste at the Final Disposal Site.
“By making their own fertilizer and compost and gardening, households can contribute to reducing carbon emissions and better waste management,” said Dr. Evony.
One of the participants, Suminarsih, admitted that she was greatly helped by the activity. “This is my first experience gardening and processing waste into money. I care more about waste. Now, I don’t throw away my waste carelessly, I sort everything. I feel happy every time I plant seeds and see green plants every morning,” she said.
In line with that, another participant named Nur said that this activity provided knowledge that was easy to practice. “Very useful and easy to do. Now I understand more about the use of fertilizers and pest control,” she said.
This community service program by UI is expected to provide a long-term impact on the economic resilience and health of Depok residents, while also supporting the goal of net zero emissions through waste management and gardening activities.
