Empowering the Potential of Kota Bangun II Villages through Food Innovation and Environmentally Friendly Products by KKN Students

Pemberdayaan Potensi Desa Kota Bangun II melalui Inovasi Pangan dan Produk Ramah Lingkungan Mahasiswa KKN

Abstract

The Community Service Program (KKN) is one of the core implementations of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, aiming to utilize knowledge and technology to improve community welfare. The KKN Kukar 97 program in Kota Bangun II Village, Kota Bangun Darat Subdistrict, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, was designed to empower the community through food innovation based on local agricultural products and the development of environmentally friendly household products. The implementation method involved village potential observation, socialization, training, hands-on practice, and participatory evaluation. Four flagship programs were carried out: (1) the use of moringa leaves in the production of egg-based snacks as a nutritional education tool, (2) processing tomatoes and cucumbers into economic-value snack sticks, (3) diversification of food products through fried cabbage crumbs, and (4) the production of natural dishwashing liquid using pandan leaves and lime. The results indicated increased community knowledge, skills, and awareness in processing local resources into value-added products. Beyond the health and environmental benefits, the program also fostered micro-enterprise development that supports rural economic independence. These findings highlight that integrating food innovation with eco-friendly product development can serve as a sustainable strategy for rural community development.