Community Empowerment in Sepaso Timur Village through Village Potential Profiling, Environmental Education, MSME Digitalization, and Literacy Strengthening

Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Desa Sepaso Timur melalui Profil Potensi Desa Edukasi Lingkungan, Digitalisasi Ekonomi UMKM, dan Penguatan Literasi

Abstract

The 2025 Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata or KKN) conducted by Universitas Mulawarman in Sepaso Timur Village, Bengalon District, East Kutai Regency, was designed to empower local communities by integrating local potential with innovative and participatory approaches. The program combined a primary activity of developing a Village Potential Profile with six flagship initiatives: organic waste management through eco-enzyme production, environmental education via informative signage, digital payment and innovation training for MSMEs, used cooking oil recycling into aromatic candles, early financial literacy education through the “Dream Savings” program, and youth character-building campaigns. A supporting program, the establishment of a Learning Corner, further strengthened literacy development among children in the village. Using a participatory and multi-stakeholder approach, the program successfully increased community awareness, knowledge, and skills in environmental management, digital economy practices, and character building. The outcomes demonstrated that collaborative efforts between universities and local communities can serve as a catalyst for sustainable social, economic, and environmental transformation in rural areas.