The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) of the University of Indonesia carried out community service activities in Dukuh Village, Kramat Jati, East Jakarta on Saturday, November 27, 2021.

Through the COCOGROW program, the FMIPA UI community service team introduced alternative planting media based on coconut fiber waste to increase agricultural productivity, while reducing the amount of coconut fiber waste in the region.

This activity is implemented in collaboration with the Pandu Cendekia Foundation and community groups of farmers in Dukuh Village. It is also supported by the Directorate of Community Service and Empowerment at the University of Indonesia (DPPM UI).

Dr. Retno Lestari M.Si as the head of the program team said that this activity was focused on introducing cocopeat sebagai limbah sabut kelapa yang mempunyai banyak manfaat di bidang agrikultural.

“The use of this planting medium also has the potential to reduce the amount of coconut waste in Dukuh Village and its surroundings,” said Dr. Retno.

Dr. Retno further explained the team’s reason for choosing Dukuh Village, Kramat Jati, as the program’s implementation location. She explained that the area is home to numerous vendors selling coconuts and coconut products.

Some coconut waste is typically used as cooking fuel by local housewives. However, much of it is simply discarded, piling up and causing a foul odor at landfills.

The team started with outreach and education about cocopeat and other alternative growing media to address coconut waste and limited land. The activity continued with practical exercises and demonstrations on how to create growing media with the correct composition standards to ensure nutrient content.

To participants who have actively participated, the team provided a number of basic necessities as appreciation and thanks.

The community in Dukuh sub-district has welcomed this program. Dahlia, a resident and a farmer, stated that this program has been quite helpful for her and her fellow farmers, especially those who often farm on limited land. The Cocogrow program is an ideal solution for farming on limited space.

“This activity is very helpful for us as a community that enjoys farming on limited land. The practical experience also gives us a direct understanding, so we can do it ourselves at home,” said Dahlia.

“Thank you, FMIPA UI, this has had a positive impact. Hopefully, in the coming year there will be another similar program with new innovations to develop this area to be even better,” he continued.