Fostering Community Self-Reliance in Gunung Bahagia Subdistrict, Balikpapan City through Strengthening Circular Economy Capacity and Digitalization

Mewujudkan Kemandirian Masyarakat di Kelurahan Gunung Bahagia, Kota Balikpapan melalui Penguatan Kapasitas Ekonomi Sirkular dan Digitalisasi

Abstract

Gunung Bahagia Subdistrict, South Balikpapan District, Balikpapan City, East Kalimantan, is recognized as a model area for environmental management as well as a hub for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). However, the main challenges faced by the community include the limited capacity for organic waste processing and the low level of financial literacy among MSME actors. To address these issues, a community service program initiated by the Community Service Program (KKN) Balikpapan 19, Universitas Mulawarman, Class of 2025, designed three main initiatives: (1) Socialization of Maggot and Catfish Cultivation as a circular economy-based solution for organic waste management, (2) Socialization of Simple Digital Bookkeeping to improve MSME business governance, and (3) Socialization of Saving Habits for elementary school students to foster early financial literacy. The methods applied include socialization, training, and direct assistance to the target communities, namely residents of RT 29 for the cultivation program, MSME actors at GUBAH Culinary Field for digital bookkeeping, and students of SDN 014 Balikpapan for the Saving Habits program. The expected outcomes of implementation are an increased understanding of sustainable organic waste management, enhanced skills of MSME actors in digital financial recording, and the growth of financial awareness among the younger generation.