Intro paragraph
Bogor, 20 June 2026 – Lecturers from the Management and Psychology programs at the University of Jakarta International (UNIJI) ran a community service program in Sentul, Bogor, teaching a local women’s group how to transform used cooking oil into eco‑friendly household products. This initiative strengthens UNIJI’s long‑term commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community empowerment through hands‑on education.
Circular Economy Training for “Ibu Tangguh Jakarta Raya”
Carrying the theme “Pemberdayaan Ibu Tangguh Jakarta Raya Melalui Pelatihan Pengolahan Minyak Jelantah Menjadi Eco‑Product Berbasis Circular Economy,” the workshop introduced practical circular‑economy concepts that participants can apply at home. Household waste, especially used cooking oil, was showcased as a resource that can be repurposed into eco‑friendly soap and candles rather than polluting the environment.
The four‑hour program, held from 08.00 to 12.00 WIB, began with welcoming remarks from UNIJI and the partner organization, followed by a short pre‑test to map participants’ initial understanding of sustainability and waste management. UNIJI lecturers then delivered an interactive session on environmental responsibility, the risks of improper used oil disposal for soil and water, and the potential of eco‑products as community‑based innovation.
Hands‑On Practice: From Used Oil to Eco‑Friendly Products
The highlight of the activity was a live demonstration and hands‑on practice session, where participants followed each production step, from preparing used cooking oil to turning it into simple, practical, and environmentally responsible products. Guided by UNIJI Management and Psychology lecturers, the group experimented with producing eco‑soap and candles, asking questions and sharing everyday experiences from their households.
Throughout the session, participants were encouraged to actively discuss, reflect, and connect sustainability concepts with real‑life behaviour, such as how they usually dispose of used oil and how eco‑products could be shared, sold, or replicated within their community. This approach reflects UNIJI’s education philosophy: combining solid theory with practical skills that create direct impact outside the classroom.
Measuring Impact and Encouraging Ongoing Action
To capture learning outcomes, the workshop concluded with a post‑test, allowing the team to compare participants’ understanding before and after the training. The program ended with closing remarks, reflections, and a group photo, symbolising a shared commitment to more responsible waste management and community‑led environmental action.
UNIJI hopes that the knowledge and skills gained during this workshop will continue to grow beyond the event. Participants are encouraged to develop eco‑product initiatives in their neighbourhoods, from small‑scale home use to potential micro‑business ideas, aligning with broader sustainability goals and circular‑economy practices.
UNIJI’s Ongoing Commitment to Community & Environment
This community service program is part of UNIJI’s wider UNIJI Cares for the Community & Environment initiatives, which consistently link academic expertise with real‑world impact. By combining Management and Psychology perspectives, the team demonstrates how interdisciplinary education can support women’s empowerment, household‑level innovation, and sustainable lifestyles.
Through programs like this, UNIJI continues to show how higher education can serve local communities, support national sustainability agendas, and inspire young people to take action. Prospective students interested in sustainability, community development, or social innovation can learn more about UNIJI’s programs and initiatives via the Rhino News Network and the official UNIJI website at uniji.ac.id.
Congratulations to the UNIJI PkM team for designing and implementing this impactful workshop. UNIJI looks forward to expanding similar programs that connect education, sustainability, and community empowerment across Jakarta and other regions.
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