The team from the ITB FMNS Chemistry Study Program collaborated with the Chemistry Department of UNJANI (Achmad Yani General University), ITERA (Sumatera Institute of Technology), UNPAK (Pakuan Bogor University), UNIGA (Garut University), and UMMI (Muhammadiyah Sukabumi University). They also teamed up with ITB AMISCA (Student Association of the Chemistry Study Program) to arrange a community service with residents of Cihurip and Mekarwangi Villages, Cihurip District, Garut Regency.

With the theme "Counseling and Training on Integrated Chemistry to Increase Environmental Awareness and Economic Recovery", the community service was held by both on-site and virtual means for two days from 1-15 October 2022. Both participating students and lecturers can use their expertise to help train and counsel the locals.

Dr. Muhammad Yudhistira Azis, a lecturer of the ITB Chemistry Study Program as well as a member of the Analytical Chemistry Research Group, stated that this was the second time the program was planned out, with more active participants, collaborating researchers and diverse materials provided. As part of the plan to improve the skills of the younger generation, the materials are related to waste processing and awareness of the application of simple chemistry.

The residents are guided to create soap, hand sanitizers, and candles from used cooking oil. Moreover, they were taught to utilize waste- diapers, plastic, cans, organic waste, and wastewater- into valuable items. On the other hand, they were trained in digital marketing and assessing the impact of water pollution in their villages. High school students partaking in this community service conducted simple chemistry experiments that can be done at school.

Due to more participants joining this year’s program, this community service limits the maximum number of participants due to the pandemic. 85 participants from youth organizations and Garut 30 High School of Mekarwangi and Cihurip Villages attended the program with high enthusiasm.

Both residents and high school students are elated to do collaborative activities with participating universities, hoping that the knowledge obtained can be used to improve the welfare of their communities.

Aside from understanding chemistry more, the committee wished for their arranged program to be able to bring positive impacts on the welfare of the locals. Furthermore, they hoped to promote chemistry to high school students, providing scholarship opportunities for their higher education.

Reporter: Adi Permana
Translator: Ruth Nathania (Environmental Engineering, 2019)